Health Literacy From a Pediatrician's Perspective

2022 ◽  
pp. 251-273
Author(s):  
Nazan Sarper
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Information Communication ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Fundamental Education ◽  
Training Activities

Health literacy describes individual's skills to understand and use the information on health issues, compliance to the prescribed therapeutic regimen, prevention of disease and accidents, filtering the information, and making good judgments to maintain a healthy life. Low school education and fundamental education and poverty are barriers to gain health literacy. If TV broadcasts are used optimally for training in health issues, they may reach many people. The density of the active physicians, nurses and midwives, national health coverage, and training activities of the civil associations for chronic disease contribute to health literacy. Controversy exists about the benefits and risks of social media and mass media to health literacy due to information pollution. Self-diagnosis and marketing of under-the-counter drugs are problems of the digital age. Some projects aiming to improve digital health literacy skills will help people to reach reliable health-related information. Communication skills of healthcare professionals are also important.

Health Literacy From a Pediatrician's Perspective

2020 ◽  
pp. 308-330
Author(s):  
Nazan Sarper
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Information Communication ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Fundamental Education ◽  
Training Activities

Health literacy describes individual's skills to understand and use the information on health issues, compliance to the prescribed therapeutic regimen, prevention of disease and accidents, filtering the information, and making good judgments to maintain a healthy life. Low school education and fundamental education and poverty are barriers to gain health literacy. If TV broadcasts are used optimally for training in health issues, they may reach many people. The density of the active physicians, nurses and midwives, national health coverage, and training activities of the civil associations for chronic disease contribute to health literacy. Controversy exists about the benefits and risks of social media and mass media to health literacy due to information pollution. Self-diagnosis and marketing of under-the-counter drugs are problems of the digital age. Some projects aiming to improve digital health literacy skills will help people to reach reliable health-related information. Communication skills of healthcare professionals are also important.

scholarly journals Digital Health Literacy and Sport-Physical Activities: The Moderating Role of Age

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilija Moric ◽  
Sanja Pekovic ◽  
Jelena Jovanovic
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Physical Activities ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
Direct Relation ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Moderating Role

Abstract Background : The present study extends understanding of digital health literacy by exploring issues that clarify how and when sport-physical activities enhance digital health literacy measured by four types of health-related information searched on the Internet i.e., general health information, information on a specific injury or condition, specific information on a medical treatment or procedure and information regarding second opinion after visiting a doctor. Methods: We employ Tobit model on the large European data (N=5,318). Results: We find support for direct relation between sport-physical activities and digital health literacy. In addition, we find that the effect of sport-physical activities on digital health literacy is reversed when interacted with age. Conclusion: This evidence is consistent with the view that sport-physical activities can be considered as an important tool for digital health literacy improvement but only under certain socio-demographic characteristics.

scholarly journals Digital health literacy and online information seeking in times of COVID-19. A cross-sectional survey among university students in Germany (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Dadaczynski ◽  
Orkan Okan ◽  
Melanie Messer ◽  
Angela Y. M. Leung ◽  
Rafaela Rosário ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
University Students ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Online Information Seeking

BACKGROUND Digital communication technologies play an important role in governments’ and public health authorities’ health communication strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The internet and social media have become important sources of health-related information on the coronavirus and on protective behaviours. In addition, the COVID-19 infodemic spreads faster than the coronavirus itself, which interferes with governmental health-related communication efforts. This puts national public health containment strategies in jeopardy. Therefore, digital health literacy is a key competence to navigate coronavirus-related information and service environments. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate university students’ digital health literacy and online information seeking behaviours during the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic in Germany. METHODS A cross-sectional study among N=14,916 university students aged ≥18 from 130 universities across all sixteen federal states of Germany was conducted using an online survey. Along with sociodemographic characteristics (sex, age, subjective social status) measures included five subscales from the Digital Health Literacy Instrument (DHLI), which was adapted to the specific coronavirus context. Online information seeking behaviour was investigated by examining the online sources used by university students and the topics that students search for in connection with the coronavirus. Data were analysed using univariate and bivariate analyses. RESULTS Across digital health literacy dimensions, the greatest difficulties could be found for assessing the reliability of health-related information (42.3%) and the ability to determine whether the information was written with commercial interest (38.9%). Moreover, respondents also indicated that they most frequently have problems finding the information they are looking for (30.4%). When stratified according to sociodemographic characteristics, significant differences were found with female university students reporting a lower DHLI for the dimensions of ‘information searching’ and of ‘evaluating reliability’. Search engines, news portals and public bodies’ websites were most often used by the respondents as sources to search for information on COVID-19 and related issues. Female students were found to use social media and health portals more frequently, while male students used Wikipedia and other online encyclopaedias as well as YouTube more often. The use of social media was associated with a low ability to critically evaluate information, while opposite differences were observed for the use of public websites. CONCLUSIONS Although digital health literacy is, in summary, well developed in university students, a significant proportion of students still face difficulties with certain abilities to deal with information. There is need to strengthen the digital health literacy capacities of university students using tailored interventions. Improving the quality of health-related information on the internet is also key. CLINICALTRIAL

scholarly journals Experiences And Needs Concerning Health Related Information For Newly Arrived Refugees In Sweden

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lena Mårtensson ◽  
Per Lytsy ◽  
Ragnar Westerling ◽  
Josefin Wångdahl
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Health Care System ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Contextual Knowledge ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Care System

Abstract Background Owing to communication challenges and a lack of knowledge about the health care system, refugees may be at risk of having limited health literacy, meaning that they will have problems in achieving, understanding, appraising and using health information or navigating in the health care system. The aim of this study was to explore experiences and needs concerning health related information for newly arrived refugees in Sweden. Methods A qualitative design with a focus group methodology was used. The qualitative content analysis was based on seven focus group discussions, including 28 Arabic and Somali speaking refugees. Results Four categories emerged. ‘Concrete instructions and explanations’ includes appreciation of knowledge about how to act when facing health problems. ‘Contextual knowledge’ comprises experienced needs of information about the health care system, about specific health risks and about rights in health issues. ‘A variation of sources’ describes suggestions as to where and how information should be given. ‘Enabling communication’ includes the wish for more awareness among professionals from a language and cultural point of view. Conclusion Concrete instructions and explanations are experienced as valuable and applicable. Additional information about health issues and the health care system is needed. Information concerning health should be spread by a variety of sources. Health literate health organizations are needed to meet the health challenges of refugees, including professionals that emphasize health literacy.

Educational Strategy in Digital Health Literacy

2022 ◽  
pp. 75-101
Author(s):  
Sandra Cristina Laia Esteves ◽  
Ana Sofia Lourenço Lopes
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Communication Skills ◽  
Critical Literacy ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Educational Strategies ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Positive Results

The acquisition of health literacy levels is preponderant in enabling citizens to access, understand, and use health-related information in a more conscious and responsible way in making health decisions. The ACP model—assertiveness, clarity, and positivity—has revealed numerous positive results in health, an excellent contribution to health literacy, as it favors the acquisition of communication skills and therapeutic relationship between health professionals and patients. The use of pedagogical audiovisual techniques (PAT) is one of the best educational strategies in health and facilitates digital dissemination. This project aimed to raise the awareness of health professionals, through the PAT. As a methodology, the authors follow a literature review and the functional, interactive, and critical literacy model. They applied this PAT to health professionals, associated with a knowledge monitoring instrument. The use of the ACP model promotes an improvement in the quality of care provided and, in turn, resulting positive results in health.

scholarly journals Experiences and Needs Concerning Health Related Information for Newly Arrived Refugees in Sweden

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lena Mårtensson ◽  
Per Lytsy ◽  
Ragnar Westerling ◽  
Josefin Wångdahl
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Health Care System ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Contextual Knowledge ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Care System

Abstract Background Owing to communication challenges and a lack of knowledge about the health care system, refugees may be at risk of having limited health literacy, meaning that they will have problems in achieving, understanding, appraising and using health information or navigating in the health care system. The aim of this study was to explore experiences and needs concerning health related information for newly arrived refugees in Sweden. Methods A qualitative design with a focus group methodology was used. The qualitative content analysis was based on seven focus group discussions, including 28 Arabic and Somali speaking refugees. Results Four categories emerged. ‘Concrete instructions and explanations’ includes appreciation of knowledge about how to act when facing health problems. ‘Contextual knowledge’ comprises experienced needs of information about the health care system, about specific health risks and about rights in health issues. ‘A variation of sources’ describes suggestions as to where and how information should be given. ‘Enabling communication’ includes the wish for more awareness among professionals from a language and cultural point of view. Conclusion Concrete instructions and explanations are experienced as valuable and applicable. Additional information about health issues and the health care system is needed. Information concerning health should be spread by a variety of sources. Health literate health organizations are needed to meet the health challenges of refugees, including professionals that emphasize health literacy.

scholarly journals Bit by Bit: Using Design-Based Research to Improve the Health Literacy of Adolescents

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. e62
Author(s):  
Mega Subramaniam ◽  
Beth St. Jean ◽  
Natalie Greene Taylor ◽  
Christie Kodama ◽  
Rebecca Follman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Poor Health ◽  
After School ◽  
Socioeconomically Disadvantaged ◽  
Design Based Research ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Health Related

Background Although a low health literacy level has been found to be among the most powerful predictors of poor health outcomes, there is very little research focused on assessing and improving the health literacy skills of adolescents, particularly those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. The vast majority of existing research focuses solely on reading comprehension, despite the fact that health literacy is actually a multifaceted concept, which entails many different types of skills. Objective The aim of this paper is to first mine existing literature to identify the many different skills that have been posited to constitute health literacy, and then, using this collection of skills as an overarching structure, to highlight the challenges that disadvantaged youth participating in our HackHealth after-school program encounter as they identify and articulate their health-related information needs, search for health-related information online, assess the relevance and credibility of this information, and manage and make use of it. Methods We utilized the design-based research method to design, implement, and revise our HackHealth program. To collect data regarding HackHealth participants’ health literacy skills and associated challenges, we used a variety of methods, including participant observation, surveys, interviews, focus groups, and logging of Web browser activities. We also collected data through specialized instructional activities and data collection forms that we developed for this purpose. Quantitative and qualitative techniques were used to analyze this data, as well as all of the artifacts that each student produced, including their final projects. Results We identified the various challenges that the 30 HackHealth participants faced in completing various health-related information activities during the course of the program. Based on these findings, we describe important implications for working with youth from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, how to assess and improve their health literacy skills, and offer specific recommendations for health literacy instruction aimed at this population. Conclusions With an increased societal focus on health and a shift from viewing patients as passive recipients of medical care to viewing them as active arbiters of their own health, today’s youth need to possess an array of health literacy skills to ensure that they can live long and healthy lives. Working with adolescents to help them develop and practice these skills will also help to break the cycle between poor health literacy and poor health outcomes, thereby reducing health disparities and improving the long-term outlook for the health of our nation.

scholarly journals Experiences And Needs Concerning Health Related Information For Newly Arrived Refugees In Sweden

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lena Mårtensson ◽  
Per Lytsy ◽  
Ragnar Westerling ◽  
Josefin Wångdahl
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Health Care System ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Contextual Knowledge ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Care System

Abstract Background: Owing to communication challenges and a lack of knowledge about the health care system, refugees may be at risk of having limited health literacy, meaning that they will have problems in achieving, understanding, appraising and using health information or navigating in the health care system. The aim of this study was to explore experiences and needs concerning health related information for newly arrived refugees in Sweden.Methods: A qualitative design with a focus group methodology was used. The qualitative content analysis was based on seven focus group discussions, including 28 Arabic and Somali speaking refugees.Results: Four categories emerged. ‘Concrete instructions and explanations’ includes appreciation of knowledge about how to act when facing health problems. ‘Contextual knowledge’ comprises experienced needs of information about the health care system, about specific health risks and about rights in health issues. ‘A variation of sources’ describes suggestions as to where and how information should be given. ‘Enabling communication’ includes the wish for more awareness among professionals from a language and cultural point of view.Conclusion: Concrete instructions and explanations are experienced as valuable and applicable. Additional information about health issues and the health care system is needed. Information concerning health should be spread by a variety of sources. Health literate health organizations are needed to meet the health challenges of refugees, including professionals that emphasize health literacy.

scholarly journals Using the Brief Health Literacy Screen in Chronic Care in French Hospital Settings: Content Validity of Patient and Healthcare Professional Reports

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 96
Author(s):  
Adèle Perrin ◽  
Luiza Siqueira do Prado ◽  
Amélie Duché ◽  
Anne-Marie Schott ◽  
Alexandra L. Dima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Content Validity ◽  
Chronic Care ◽  
Routine Care ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Concept Of Health ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Centered Care ◽  
Health Related ◽  
French Hospital

Person-centered care has led healthcare professionals (HCPs) to be more attentive to patients’ ability to understand and apply health-related information, especially those with chronic conditions. The concept of health literacy (HL) is essential in understanding patients’ needs in routine care, but its measurement is still controversial, and few tools are validated in French. We therefore considered the brief health literacy screen (BHLS) for assessing patient-reported HL in chronic care settings, and also developed an HCP-reported version of the BHLS with the aim of using it as a research instrument to assess HCPs’ evaluation of patients’ HL levels. We assessed the content validity of the French translation of both the patient-reported and HCP-reported BHLS in chronic care within hospital settings, through cognitive interviews with patients and HCPs. We performed qualitative analysis on interview data using the survey response Tourangeau model. Our results show that the BHLS is easy and quick to administer, but some terms need to be adapted to the French chronic care settings. Health-related information was observed to be mainly communicated orally, hence a useful direction for future literacy measures would be to also address verbal HL.

scholarly journals Promotion of Elementary School Students’ Health Literacy

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (24) ◽  
pp. 9560
Author(s):  
Elke Knisel ◽  
Helge Rupprich ◽  
Annika Wunram ◽  
Markus Bremer ◽  
Christiane Desaive
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Elementary School ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
School Students ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Signed Rank ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Signed Rank Test

Health literacy is an important outcome of the discussion of school-related health education and health promotion in the 21st century. Although the improvement of health literacy at an early age is increasingly recognized and few interventions show the development of children´s health literacy, still there is little research in this area. The purpose of the study was to examine the enhancement of health literacy among children in a physical activity-based program at elementary school. In total, 137 students aged 6–12 years participated in the program, which included health knowledge transfer in child-appropriate games and exercises. Participants´ health literacy was assessed using the HLS-Child-Q15-DE at the beginning and the end of the program. The instrument measures the access, understanding, appraisal and application of health-related information on a four-point Likert-type scale. As expected, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed significant increases in self-reported health literacy over time. The results show that the degree of change in health literacy was not associated with gender or age. The results suggest that the physical activity-based program has the potential to improve elementary school children´s health literacy, even though in a single group pilot study.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document