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Rosário J, Dias SS, Dias S, Pedro AR. Health literacy and its determinants among higher education students in the Alentejo region of southern Portugal-A cross-sectional survey. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0309806. [PMID: 39316571 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0309806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The capacity of higher education students to comprehend and act on health information is a pivotal factor in attaining favourable health outcomes and well-being. Assessing the health literacy of these students is essential in order to develop targeted interventions and provide informed health support. The aim of this study was to identify the level of health literacy and to analyse its relationship with determinants such as socio-demographic variables, chronic disease, perceived health status, and perceived availability of money for expenses among higher education students in the Alentejo region of southern Portugal. METHODOLOGY An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted between 22 June and 12 September 2023. An online structured questionnaire consisting of the Portuguese version of the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire-16 items (HLS-EU-PT-Q16), including socio-demographic data, presence of chronic diseases, perceived health status, and availability of money for expenses. Data were analysed using independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, post-hoc Gabriel's test, and multivariate logistic regression analyses at a significance level of 0.05. Regression models were used to investigate the relationship between health literacy and various determinants. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Évora, and all participants gave written informed consent. RESULTS Analysis of the HLS-EU-PT-Q16 showed that 82.3% of the 1228 students sampled had limited health literacy. The mean health literacy score was 19.3 ± 12.8 on a scale of 0 to 50, with subscores of 19.4 ± 13.9 for health care, 19.1 ± 13.1 for disease prevention, and 19.0 ± 13.7 for health promotion. Significant associations were found between health literacy and several determinants. Higher health literacy was associated with the absence of chronic diseases. Regression analysis showed that lower health literacy was associated with not attending health-related courses, not living with a health professional, perceiving limited availability of money for expenses, and having an unsatisfactory health status. CONCLUSION This study improves the understanding of health literacy levels among higher education students in Alentejo, Portugal, and identifies key determinants. Higher education students in this region had relatively low levels of health literacy, which may have a negative impact on their health outcomes. These findings highlight the need for interventions to improve health literacy among higher education students and to address the specific needs of high-risk subgroups in the Alentejo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Rosário
- Polytechnic Institute of Beja, Beja, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Advanced Training, University of Évora, Évora, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre, CHRC, University of Évora, Évora, Portugal
| | - Sara Simões Dias
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre, CHRC, University of Évora, Évora, Portugal
- ciTechCare - Center for Innovative Care and Health Technology, Polytechnic of Leiria, Leiria, Portugal
- School of Health Sciences, Polytechnic of Leiria, Leiria, Portugal
| | - Sónia Dias
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Pedro
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
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Elkhadry SW, Tahoon MAH. Health literacy and its association with antibiotic use and knowledge of antibiotic among Egyptian population: cross sectional study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:2508. [PMID: 39285352 PMCID: PMC11403963 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19668-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High prevalence of inappropriate antibiotic use in different sectors of the community indicates a possible strong influence of social and cultural context, which may be influenced by social determinants of health and thereby affecting individuals' health-related behavior, including antibiotic use. And such health-related behavior is largely determined by individuals' health literacy. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this research was to examine the relationship between the Egyptian population's health literacy, antibiotic use, and antibiotic knowledge. METHOD In Egypt, researchers used a cross-sectional study design, between the period of January and March 2024 using validated questionnaires and recruited a convenient sample of adults from seven governorates representing different geographic areas, and socioeconomic and educational backgrounds with the help of the validated questionnaires the HLS-EU-Q16, a shortened version of the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (derived from the World Health Organization's Antibiotic Resistance: Multi-Country Public Awareness Survey) and, familiarity with drugs and understanding of antibiotic resistance via online methods and face-to-face interviews. RESULTS The survey included a participation of 500 persons in total. The participants' age distribution indicated that 28.8% (n = 144) were aged 18-24, while 27.4% (n = 137) were within the 25-34 age group. Moreover, a total of 274 participants, accounting for 54.8% of the sample, described themselves as female. Significantly, 60.7% of the patients indicated acquiring antibiotics without a prescription. The evaluation of health literacy (HL) levels among the participants revealed that 36.2% had problematic HL, while 8.4% showed inadequate HL. A strong positive link was found between the scores of antibiotic knowledge and the scores of HL (R = 0.876; P-value = 0.001). CONCLUSION Overall, it is imperative to implement awareness-raising curricula and public health education initiatives without delay. Furthermore, it is highly advised to implement public health awareness initiatives about the appropriate use of antibiotics, alongside national policies aimed at regulating the availability and prescription of antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Waheed Elkhadry
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt.
| | - Marwa Ali Haseeb Tahoon
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
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Kayupova G, Takuadina A, Bolatova Z, Dauletkaliyeva Z, Yerdessov N, Nukeshtayeva K, Zhamantayev O. General, Vaccination, Navigational and Digital Health Literacy of Students Enrolled in Different Medical and Health Educational Programs. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:907. [PMID: 38727464 PMCID: PMC11083901 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12090907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Evaluating prospective graduates' health literacy profiles before they enter the job market is crucial. Our research aimed to explore the health literacy levels of medical and health students by assessing their ability to obtain health-related information, understand healthcare systems, use e-health, and be informed about vaccination as well as to explore the factors associated with health literacy. Short versions of the HLS19-Q12 were used for a cross-sectional survey that was carried out among 1042 students enrolled in various medical and health educational programs at three medical universities in Kazakhstan between September and November of 2023. Additionally, instruments such as Digital Health Literacy (HLS19-DIGI), Navigational Health Literacy (HLS19-NAV), and Vaccination Health Literacy (HLS19-VAC) were employed. The score of General Health Literacy was 88.26 ± 17.5. One in eight students encountered difficulties in Vaccination Health Literacy. Despite overall high health literacy, Navigational Health Literacy posed challenges for all students. The Public Health students exhibited the highest General Health Literacy (91.53 ± 13.22), followed by students in Nursing, General Medicine, other educational programs (Dentistry and Biomedicine) and Pharmacy. Financial constraints for medication and medical examinations significantly influenced health literacy across all types of individuals. Since comprehensive health literacy instruction or interventions are still uncommon in the curricula, it seems reasonable to develop and incorporate appropriate courses for medical and health educational programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaukhar Kayupova
- School of Public Health, Karaganda Medical University, 40 Gogol Street, Karaganda 100008, Kazakhstan; (G.K.); (Z.B.); (Z.D.); (N.Y.); (K.N.)
| | - Aliya Takuadina
- Department of Informatics and Biostatistics, Karaganda Medical University, 40 Gogol Street, Karaganda 100008, Kazakhstan
| | - Zhanerke Bolatova
- School of Public Health, Karaganda Medical University, 40 Gogol Street, Karaganda 100008, Kazakhstan; (G.K.); (Z.B.); (Z.D.); (N.Y.); (K.N.)
| | - Zhaniya Dauletkaliyeva
- School of Public Health, Karaganda Medical University, 40 Gogol Street, Karaganda 100008, Kazakhstan; (G.K.); (Z.B.); (Z.D.); (N.Y.); (K.N.)
| | - Nurbek Yerdessov
- School of Public Health, Karaganda Medical University, 40 Gogol Street, Karaganda 100008, Kazakhstan; (G.K.); (Z.B.); (Z.D.); (N.Y.); (K.N.)
| | - Karina Nukeshtayeva
- School of Public Health, Karaganda Medical University, 40 Gogol Street, Karaganda 100008, Kazakhstan; (G.K.); (Z.B.); (Z.D.); (N.Y.); (K.N.)
| | - Olzhas Zhamantayev
- School of Public Health, Karaganda Medical University, 40 Gogol Street, Karaganda 100008, Kazakhstan; (G.K.); (Z.B.); (Z.D.); (N.Y.); (K.N.)
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Ceylan E, Koç A. The association between health literacy, COVID-19 knowledge and adherence to preventive measures in Turkey. Glob Health Promot 2024; 31:6-14. [PMID: 37529918 DOI: 10.1177/17579759231187615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Despite vaccination and various prevention policies, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic maintains its negative effects globally. Therefore, people must be adequately informed and put this knowledge into practice in order to take the necessary precautions. This can be achieved with adequate health literacy. In this context, this study was conducted to determine the relationship between health literacy, COVID-19 knowledge and adherence to preventive measures. The sample of this descriptive cross-sectional online survey consisted of 1086 people. Data were collected using a demographics questionnaire, the European Health Literacy Scale, the COVID-19 Knowledge Assessment Questionnaire and the COVID-19 Adherence Assessment Questionnaire. Participants' health literacy index had a median score of 30.9, with 67.5% having inadequate or problematic health literacy. Gender, age, education, marital status, region of residence, employment status and economic status were associated with health literacy (p < 0.05). Participants' median knowledge and adherence scores were 40 and 54, respectively. There were significant positive correlations between health literacy index, knowledge and adherence scores (p < 0.001). This study demonstrated that health literacy, COVID-19 knowledge and adherence were associated with each other. As a result, strategies aimed at improving health literacy may be beneficial in terms of having better knowledge and demonstrating high adherence to measures, thus, eradicating the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing COVID-19-related conditions and promoting public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erdal Ceylan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Nursing Department, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Çubuk/Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ayşegül Koç
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Nursing Department, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Çubuk/Ankara, Turkey
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Rashidi M, Karaman F, Yildirim G, Genç A, Çakmak S, Durusoy E, Saygin Şahin B, Elkin N. Healthy life skills and related factors among university students: a cross-sectional study in Istanbul, Turkey. JOURNAL OF HEALTH, POPULATION, AND NUTRITION 2023; 42:137. [PMID: 38053175 PMCID: PMC10698914 DOI: 10.1186/s41043-023-00481-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of global deaths. University students with unhealthy lifestyle constitute a high-risk group for NCDs. Evaluating and developing healthy behaviors during this period is very important for future health outcomes. This study was conducted to determine healthy life skills in university students. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted at a university, and data were collected between January and March 2023 in Istanbul. Data were collected using the healthy living skills scale in University Students and the Personal Information Form. Normal distribution conditions of the data were checked with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. According to data distribution, data with normal distribution were analyzed using parametric statistics including t-test, ANOVA and Chi-square tests and data with non-normal distribution were analyzed using non-parametric tests including Mann-Whitney U-test and Fisher's exact test. Logistic regression test was used to determine predictor variables. RESULTS The average score for healthy life skills was 63.5 out of 84. Significant differences were found in the scores based on marital status, economic income, social security insurance coverage, and educational grade (p = 0.03, p = 0.001, p = 0.004, p = 0.04, respectively). Students who reported alcohol and smoking consumption had lower scores (60.8 ± 12) out of 84. CONCLUSION The study revealed that university students in Istanbul possess a satisfactory level of healthy life skills. By providing social support, such as expanding the coverage of social security insurance and establishing conducive educational environments, while also paying attention to the influence of peers on students, we can contribute to the development of healthy life skills in university students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahruk Rashidi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul Gelisim University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Funda Karaman
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul Gelisim University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gülay Yildirim
- Keşan Hakkı Yörük School of Health, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Aslı Genç
- Istanbul Esenyurt University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sultan Çakmak
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Bursa Uludağ University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Ebru Durusoy
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul Gelisim University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Buse Saygin Şahin
- Institute of Graduate Studies, Istanbul University- Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nurten Elkin
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul Gelisim University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Ahmed S, Kehyayan V, Abdou M, Bougmiza I. Prevalence and determinants of health literacy among the adult population of Qatar. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1278614. [PMID: 38045973 PMCID: PMC10690364 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1278614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Health literacy (HL) is both a direct determinant and a mediator of health outcomes. Research on the prevalence and determinants of HL in terms of its functional, communicative, and critical domains is scarce in the state of Qatar and its surrounding regions. Thus, this study aims to fill the knowledge gap in this area, estimate the levels of functional, communicative, and critical health literacy among the general adult population, and identify its determinants in the state of Qatar. Methods An analytical cross-sectional study with a disproportionate stratified random sampling technique was conducted in 2022. A representative sample of phone numbers was obtained from the Cerner database at Hamad Medical Corporation and approached via well-trained data collectors. A socio-demographic and health-relevant factor questionnaire and the validated All Aspects of Health Literacy scale (AAHLS) were used to collect the data on functional, communicative, and critical HL and their determinants. Descriptive analysis, independent sample t-test, ANOVA, and linear regression were used and yielded the outcomes on HL levels as low, adequate, and high in percentages and the HL determinants. Results A total of 770 participants were included. The study found that 41.5%, 29.3%, and 29.2% of them have adequate, high, and low overall HL levels consecutively. People who participated in the study are older adult, are of Arabic ethnicity, are of Qatari ethnicity, have a lower level of education, have close relatives with a lower level of education, have a lower income, are non-migrants, are not living within a family, sought medical care within the last week, and who do not know if they have a chronic disease or do not have lower overall HL levels compared to the other groups. After linear regression analysis, only the participant's level of education and "last time sought medical care within last week" variable predict the overall HL score. Conclusion Almost half of Qatar's adult population has an adequate HL level, comparable to the HL levels in other regions, despite the limitation in comparison due to variation in context and the HL measurement tools used. The possible determinants are amenable factors to focus on while designing HL interventions and providing healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salma Ahmed
- Department of Community Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Vahe Kehyayan
- College of Business Management, University of Doha for Science and Technology, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mariam Abdou
- Department of Community Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Iheb Bougmiza
- Department of Community Medicine, Primary Healthcare Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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Lyu X, Yang T, Fan Y, Hong H, Fu C. Evaluation of the reliability and validity of the health regulatory focus scale in Chinese samples. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1215209. [PMID: 37941753 PMCID: PMC10628087 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1215209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This study sought to validate the psychometric properties of the Health Regulatory Focus Scale (HRFS), emphasizing its manifestation and association with personality traits in a Chinese context. Originally developed by Ferrer, the HRFS gauges individuals' inclinations either to avoid negative health outcomes (prevention focus) or achieve positive health outcomes (promotion focus). Our cross-sectional analysis involved a diverse sample of 652 Chinese participants, averaging 39.6 years in age (SD = 9.39). Data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS, and both exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were employed to assess the HRFS's factor structure. Additionally, we evaluated convergent and discriminant validity, criterion-related validity, internal consistency reliability, and test-retest reliability. The CFA results (CFI = 0.985, TLI = 0.971, RMSEA = 0.059, and SRMR = 0.047), combined with McDonald's omega value (0.916) and the test-retest correlation coefficient (0.78) for the HRFS, underscore its robust construct validity and reliability. Furthermore, the promotion dimension of the HRFS exhibited significant positive correlations with all dimensions of the Chinese Adjectives Short Scale of Big-Five Factor Personality (BFFP-CAS-S). In conclusion, the HRFS's Chinese adaptation offers a reliable and valid instrument for assessing health regulatory focus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaokang Lyu
- Zhou Enlai School of Government, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Tingting Yang
- Zhou Enlai School of Government, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanqin Fan
- Songjiang District Central Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Haijuan Hong
- Songjiang District Central Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunye Fu
- Zhou Enlai School of Government, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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Sarhan MBA, Fujiya R, Kiriya J, Htay ZW, Nakajima K, Fuse R, Wakabayashi N, Jimba M. Health literacy among adolescents and young adults in the Eastern Mediterranean region: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e072787. [PMID: 37290942 PMCID: PMC10255069 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES For adolescents and young adults, most health literacy research has been conducted in Western countries, but few studies have been conducted in the Eastern Mediterranean region (EMR). This review aimed to explore the existing health literacy research in the EMR in addition to the levels of health literacy and its associated factors among adolescents and young adults. METHODS The search, conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE, EBSCOhost/CINAHL plus, Web of Science and J-STAGE databases, was initially performed on 16 June 2022 and later updated on 1 October 2022. Studies that targeted 10-25 years old persons, conducted in any of the EMR countries and that used the health literacy concept and/or described its levels or predictors were included in the review. Content analysis was used for data extraction and analysis. Data related to the study methods, participants, outcome variables and health literacy were extracted. RESULTS The review included 82 studies, most of which were conducted in Iran and Turkey and adopted a cross-sectional design. Half of the studies showed that more than half of adolescents and young adults had low or moderate health literacy. Nine studies applied university-based or school-based health education interventions to improve health literacy, which was also predicted by demographic and socioeconomic factors and internet usage. Little attention was paid to assessing the health literacy of vulnerable people, such as refugees and those with a disability and exposed to violence. Finally, various health literacy topics were investigated, including nutrition, non-communicable diseases, media and depression. CONCLUSION Health literacy levels were low-to-moderate in adolescents and young adults in the EMR. To promote health literacy, it is recommended to use school-based health education and attempt to reach adolescents and young adults through social media platforms. More attention should be paid to refugees, people with disabilities and those exposed to violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed B A Sarhan
- Graduate School of Health Management, Keio University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
- Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rika Fujiya
- Graduate School of Health Management, Keio University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
- Faculty of Nursing and Medical Care, Keio University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Junko Kiriya
- Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Zin Wai Htay
- Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Global Health Policy, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kayono Nakajima
- Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rie Fuse
- Graduate School of Health Management, Keio University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Nao Wakabayashi
- Graduate School of Health Management, Keio University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Masamine Jimba
- Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Rivadeneira MF, Salvador C, Araujo L, Caicedo-Gallardo JD, Cóndor J, Torres-Castillo AL, Miranda-Velasco MJ, Dadaczynski K, Okan O. Digital health literacy and subjective wellbeing in the context of COVID-19: A cross-sectional study among university students in Ecuador. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1052423. [PMID: 36711373 PMCID: PMC9874317 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1052423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has generated an avalanche of information, which, if not properly addressed, generates uncertainty and limits healthy decision-making. On the other hand, the pandemic has exacerbated mental health problems among young people and adolescents, causing a worsening of their wellbeing. Previous studies have found that digital health literacy has a positive impact on people's attitudes toward the disease. This study aimed to analyze the association between digital health literacy on COVID-19 with subjective wellbeing in university students. Methods A cross-sectional study was developed in 917 students from Ecuador. Subjective wellbeing was measured with the World Health Organization WellBeing Scale. Digital health literacy was assessed using the Spanish-translated version of the Digital Health Literacy Instrument adapted to the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Bivariate and multivariate linear regressions were performed. Results Digital health literacy and subjective wellbeing proofed to be significantly higher among males and among students with higher social status. The association between digital health literacy and subjective wellbeing was significant; for each increase of one point in the digital health literacy scale, an average increase of 9.64 points could be observed on the subjective wellbeing scale (IC 95% 5.61 - 13.67, p-value <0.001). This correlation persisted after adjust by demographic and socioeconomic variables. Conclusion Improving digital health literacy in health would improve the subjective wellbeing of university students. It is suggested strengthen the digital health literacy through public and university policies that promote access, search skills and discernment of digital information. Socioeconomic and gender inequalities related to digital health literacy need to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- María F. Rivadeneira
- Faculty of Medicine, Public Health Institute, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador,*Correspondence: María F. Rivadeneira ✉
| | - Carmen Salvador
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Lorena Araujo
- General Students Office, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - José D. Caicedo-Gallardo
- Faculty of Medicine, Public Health Institute, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - José Cóndor
- Faculty of Medicine, Public Health Institute, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Ana Lucía Torres-Castillo
- Faculty of Medicine, Public Health Institute, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - María J. Miranda-Velasco
- Department of Education Sciences, Faculty of Teacher Training, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Kevin Dadaczynski
- Department of Health Science, Fulda University of Applied Sciences, Fulda, Germany,Centre for Applied Health Science, Leuphana University Lueneburg, Lüneburg, Germany
| | - Orkan Okan
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
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Bánfai-Csonka H, Bánfai B, Jeges S, Betlehem J. Understanding Health Literacy among University Health Science Students of Different Nationalities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11758. [PMID: 36142030 PMCID: PMC9517253 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
An adequate level of health literacy is essential for clear communication between patients and health care workers. The internationalization of universities is increasing in the field of health care. The aims of our research were to measure (1) the level of health literacy and its correlation among university students and (2) the relationship between the different instruments measuring health literacy. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the 2020/2021 academic year. The questionnaire included questions on sociodemographic status, study data, health status, and health literacy level. According to the HLS-EU-Q16 health literacy questionnaire, more than half of the students had a limited HL level in disease prevention (52.4%) and health promotion (58.4%) subindexes. Nationality was found to be an influencing factor (p < 0.001). According to the NVS, 80.1% of the students had an adequate HL level. A significant correlation was found between the results and nationality (p = 0.005). None of the Chew questions demonstrated a correlation with nationality (q1 p = 0.269, q2 p = 0.368, q3 p = 0.528). Nationality is a key factor in the level of subjective and functional health literacy. We need to measure both types of levels to see the real results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrietta Bánfai-Csonka
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, 7621 Pécs, Hungary
- Institute of Emergency Care and Pedagogy of Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, 7621 Pécs, Hungary
- Emergency Department, Clinical Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Bálint Bánfai
- Institute of Emergency Care and Pedagogy of Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, 7621 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Sára Jeges
- Institute of Emergency Care and Pedagogy of Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, 7621 Pécs, Hungary
| | - József Betlehem
- Institute of Emergency Care and Pedagogy of Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, 7621 Pécs, Hungary
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ÇELİK S, İSTEK Z, KIZKIN A, YİĞİT MC, KAÇAN H. Üniversite Öğrencilerinin Sağlık Okuryazarlığı Düzeylerinin İncelenmesi: Bartın Üniversitesi Örneği. İSTANBUL GELIŞIM ÜNIVERSITESI SAĞLIK BILIMLERI DERGISI 2021. [DOI: 10.38079/igusabder.976692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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