Health Literacy Mediates the Association Between Socioeconomic Status and Productive Aging Among Elderly Chinese Adults in a Newly Urbanized Community

Assessment of readability of gynecologic cancer clinical trials literature at National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the readability of patient-facing gynecologic cancer clinical trial information on National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center (NCI-CCCs) websites.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional analysis of publicly accessible information pertaining to gynecologic cancer clinical trials on NCI-CCC's websites in September 2023. Clinical trial descriptions for endometrial, cervical, and ovarian cancers were assessed. Websites with limited to no descriptive information regarding their clinical trials were excluded. Readability was assessed using Readability Studio Professional Edition software for 5 readability metrics (FORCAST, Fry, Gunning Fog, Raygor Estimate, and SMOG).

RESULTS

Of 56 NCI-CCCs evaluated, 78% (n = 44) had information pertaining to gynecologic cancer clinical trials and gynecologic clinical trial descriptions for readability analysis. A total of 14% (n = 8) lacked clinical trial descriptions and linked to Clinicaltrials.gov and 7% (n = 4) only had information available through additional inquiry within the cancer center. The overall mean reading level across all NCI-CCCs was 15th-grade or collegiate-level reading. The specific readability metric analyses were as follows: FORCAST: 12.4 (range; 9.7-14.7), Fry: 17 (range; 13-17), Gunning Fog: 16.8 (range; 10-19), Raygor Estimate: 16 (range; 7-17), and SMOG: 16.5 (range; 11.4-19). Clinical trial information was stratified by the National Cancer Institute Geographic Management of Cancer Health Disparities Program, with no statistically significant differences in readability or complexity.

CONCLUSIONS

In this analysis of publicly available patient-facing information on NCI-CCC websites regarding gynecologic cancer clinical trials, the readability scores were above the high school level across the United States, which far exceeds the recommended readability metric of sixth grade by the National Institutes of Health. Opportunities exist to improve the readability of gynecologic cancer clinical trial online literature, which may facilitate patient access, participation, and understanding.

Sociodemographic and health-related factors associated with low health literacy among Indigenous populations: a systematic review

Indigenous people represent 6% of the world's population and, over time, this population has faced different negative consequences, including those related to health. Health literacy is a variable that can help reduce the health-related harm faced by Indigenous people, since low health literacy has been considered a public health problem. The aim was to review the literature on sociodemographic and health-related factors associated with low health literacy among Indigenous people. To do this, we conducted a systematic review following the recommendations of the PRISMA Statement and approved by PROSPERO (CRD42024591888). A total of seven articles make up the results of this review. The findings show that the low health literacy of Indigenous people is associated with sociodemographic characteristics (e.g. older age, male gender, lower income and educational level) and health-related aspects such as having more than one chronic condition, low perception of COVID-19 risk, low chance of cancer screening, poorer glycemic control, eating behavior, self-monitoring of blood glucose and knowledge about diabetes and difficulty in understanding health information (e.g. medication labels). Although the number of articles selected for this review was small, it should be noted that they all presented a low risk of bias. Sociodemographic and health factors are associated with low health literacy among the Indigenous population. The findings demonstrate the importance of planning public policies to promote health and especially health literacy among this neglected population.

Clinico-demographic profile and visual outcomes of pseudophakic bullous keratopathy in a multi-tier eyecare network in India

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to present the clinico-demographic characteristics of pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK), its visual outcomes, factors associated with the choice of treatment, and poor visual outcomes of PBK.

METHODS

In this hospital-based retrospective study, electronic medical records data of new patients who presented to a multi-tier ophthalmology hospital network in India (November 2010-June 2022) were extracted. Patients with at least 4 weeks of follow-up were analyzed for visual outcome data. Bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine the factors associated with the treatment choice and poor visual outcomes.

RESULTS

Of the 3,323,247 electronic records (with an average follow-up of 293 days) examined, 10,522 eyes of 10,158 patients (0.3%) had PBK. The majority were managed non-surgically ( n = 7372; 70.1%), with increased odds of poor visual outcome by 3.46 times (AdjOR: 3.04-3.92, P < 0.001). Those belonging to the non-paying category had higher odds of poor visual outcome (AdjOR: 1.48, 95%CI: 1.29-1.69; P < 0.001). Surgical management improved vision by 0.72 logMAR (95%CI: 0.60-0.73; P < 0.001). A total of 41.2% ( n = 113/274) of cases that underwent Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty and 18.4% ( n = 285/1551) of Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty attained last follow-up visual acuity (LVA) of 6/18 or better.

CONCLUSION

About three in every thousand patients had PBK. Surgical interventions improved visual acuity significantly. About four in ten patients who underwent DMEK attained a vision of 6/18 or better at the last follow-up visit. Markers of lower socioeconomic strata were independently associated with poor visual outcomes.

Associations of Frailty, Concerns About Falling, and Fall Risk in Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Orlando, Florida: A Preliminary Analysis

Objectives

This study examines relationships between frailty, concerns about falling (CaF), and fall risk in community-dwelling older adults (≥60 years old).

Methods

Frailty, CaF, and fall risk were cross-sectionally assessed using the FRAIL, short FES-I, and STEADI questionnaires in 178 participants. Spearman correlations, logistical regression, and ordinal regression analysis were performed.

Results

38.2% of participants were robust, 48.9% pre-frail, and 12.9% frail. Logistic regressions revealed that frail individuals were 91.4% more likely to have CaF compared to non-frail individuals, and individuals with lower fall risk were 5.7 times less likely to have CaF than those with no fall risk. Pre-frail individuals were more likely to have fall risk than non-frail individuals. Individuals with low CaF were 6 times less likely to have fall risk than those with high CaF. Ordinal logistic regressions revealed that for individuals with no CaF and no fall risk, the odds of being frail were 69.5% and 86.7% lower, respectively, than those with high CaF and high fall risk.

Conclusions

Frailty relationships with fall risk and CaF indicate the importance of addressing frailty to aid in fall prevention in older adults. Further, addressing the CaF mentality is important in fall prevention in older adults. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05778604.

Health literacy and influencing factors in university students across diverse educational fields in Kazakhstan

Comprehensive examinations of health literacy (HL) among students in Kazakhstan are lacking. The existing literature from adult populations in Kazakhstan suggests associations between higher HL and socioeconomic and demographic factors. The HLS19-Q12 tool was used in this study to assess the HL level of 3230 students with various backgrounds. A multivariate linear regression model was used to define determinants of HL. The mean HL score for the total sample was 85.86 ± 18.67 out of 100, which indicates "excellent" level of HL. The highest HL score was in students of Health Sciences field (88.22 ± 17.53), whereas mean HL score in students of Engineering field of study was 83.27 ± 20.07, and it was 86.13 ± 18.11 for the Humanities and Social sciences field of study. The factors negatively associated with HL were region of origin, health information searching, lack of basic life support skills, smoking, self-assessment of health as bad, and missing study days. Students who smoked and used tobacco for 6 days per week had a significantly lower HL. Interaction analysis showed positive three-way interaction for male students over 19 years studying in Engineering field. Socioeconomic factors, regional disparities, and health behaviors significantly influenced HL, with lower scores observed among students from the West region, rural areas, and those with unhealthy behaviors or low socioeconomic status. The following factors were positively associated with HL in this study: field of education, affordability of medical examination and treatment, social connections and support, age, and social status. This study will allow future research and youth health promotion programs to make decisions based on the field of study and the factors that negatively and positively influence HL.

Health Literacy and Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment

OBJECTIVES

Health literacy is considered crucial in health status outcomes, but little is known about the association among cognitively impaired persons. This study investigated the association between health literacy and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We further examined whether the association between health literacy and HRQoL depends on age, sex, and educational attainment.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and December 2022.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

The study population was 233 older adults with MCI who visited the Veterans Health Service Medical Center in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

METHODS

The diagnosis of MCI was confirmed by a physician based on clinical and neuropsychological assessments. The European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire and EuroQol Five Dimensions Questionnaire were used to measure the health literacy and HRQoL of the participants.

RESULTS

HRQoL was significantly correlated with health literacy (R = 0.25, P ≤ .001) and its 3 subdomains (R = 0.27, P ≤ .001 for healthcare; R = 0.19, P = .004 for disease prevention; and R = 0.18, P = .005 for health promotion). After adjustment for potential covariates, older adults with higher levels of health literacy were significantly associated with better HRQoL: β = 0.02 (P = .0021) for health literacy, β = 0.07 (P = .0001) for healthcare, and β = 0.04 (P = .0443) for disease prevention. The interactions between HRQoL and health literacy with the specific variables of age, sex, and education demonstrated a statistical significance (β = 0.02 with age, β = 0.03 with sex, and β = 0.06 with education).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

There was a significant association between health literacy and HRQoL among older adults with MCI. This finding suggests that improving health literacy of older adults with MCI may enhance HRQoL. An education intervention is recommended to reduce the existing health disparities due to low health literacy.

Limited health literacy increases the likelihood of cognitive frailty among older adults

BACKGROUND

Cognitive frailty is a dual geriatric syndrome that is preventable with lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes are influenced by literacy level. However, the association between limited health literacy (HL) and cognitive frailty (CF) is yet to be discovered.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to determine the association between HL and CF among older adults.

METHODS

Data was collected between April 2021 to March 2022 in this cross-sectional study. Citizens aged 60 years and older who can understand Malay and English were selected through purposive sampling from the AGELESS Trial screening sample frame. HLS-M-Q18 was administered to determine HL and CDR, and Fried's Criteria were used to assess the CF status.

RESULTS

A total of 757 participants were included in the analysis. 68.2% of the total participants had a limited HL level. The prevalence of CF among older adults with limited HL was 48.2% as compared to those with adequate HL (28.2%) (p < 0.001). Based on the HLS-M-Q18 index scores, the robust group had a higher HL index score than those in the CF group: 36.1 (SD = 10.5) and 33.4 (SD = 8.6), respectively, p < 0.05. In binary logistic regression, limited HL, increasing age, lower income, lower education level and rural locality were associated with the increase of CF occurrence. Older adults with limited HL have 2.6 times higher odds of having CF.

CONCLUSION

Approximately two-thirds of multiethnic older adults in the study had limited HL, with those with limited HL has 2.6 times higher odds of having CF. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing HL to improve their health outcomes and well-being.

Effectiveness of herbs taken concurrently with antihypertensive drugs in managing hypertension and lipid outcomes. A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Hypertension is the primary cause of mortality. Hence globally, there is a growing interest in complementing antihypertensive drugs with herbs to alleviate blood pressure among hypertensive patients. Thus, this review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of complementing drugs with herbs on blood pressure and lipid profile outcomes, the associated factors and the types of complementary herbs alongside their consumption regimes.

METHODS

This review is registered in PROSPERO on the National Institute of Health Database with an ID: CRD42021270481. Using the PICOS (population, intervention, comparison, outcome, study type) mnemonic formula and search strategy, we searched (January 2010 to February 2024) five electronic databases including Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL (Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature) and Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection (PBSC). The inclusion criteria of the review were that all included papers had to be randomised control trials in English among hypertensive adults who complemented antihypertensive drugs with herbs. A Cochrane risk of bias assessment as well as a meta-analysis and narrative synthesis were conducted to answer the objectives.

RESULTS

Twenty-five randomised controlled trials involving 1996 participants from 14 countries were included. The risk of bias among included articles was assessed and presented using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and the graphs were generated. The effects of complementing antihypertensive drugs with different herb regimes on blood pressure and lipid profile outcomes were compared to those solely on antihypertensive drugs and placebo via a random model effects meta-analysis using the Revman manager. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and triglycerides gave a significant reduction in favour of the intervention group which complemented herbs. The overall pooled systolic blood pressure showed a reduction of (SMD=0.81, 95 % CI 0.14-1.47, p < 0.02, p for heterogeneity=0.00001, I2 =97 %) while triglycerides were (SMD=0.73, 95 % CI 0.17-1.28, p < 0.01, p for heterogeneity=0.00001, I2 =85 %). However, diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, HDL and LDL did not exert significant outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The complemented herbs with antihypertensive drugs did show improvement in overall blood pressure management in the majority of the studies compared to the placebo group. Blood pressure and lipid profiles are the health outcomes that enable access to complementing herbs in controlling high blood pressure. Some limitations of this review are attributed to performance, detection and attrition bias in a few included articles alongside the presence of a high heterogeneity overall.

Impact of health literacy, social support, and socioeconomic position on the serum uric acid level in asymptomatic hyperuricaemia patients in China: a structural equation model

BACKGROUND

Hyperuricaemia (HUA) poses a significant public health challenge on a global scale. It is mostly asymptomatic hyperuricemia (AHU) with unsatisfactory recognition and control rates. The role of health literacy in influencing health outcomes is of utmost importance, and enhancing health literacy is helpful for patients in managing risk factors. Additionally, social support and socioeconomic position (SEP) have been identified as potential factors influencing health. However, the exact relationships between these factors and AHU remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the status of health literacy among patients with AHU and explore the relationships between health literacy, social support, SEP, and serum uric acid (SUA) levels.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 349 participants with AHU in Luzhou, China. The research instruments included a sociodemographic characteristics questionnaire, the Health Literacy Scale for Chronic Patients (HLSCP), and the Social Support Scale (SSRS). The construction of the SEP index was achieved through the application of principal component analysis. Univariate and hierarchical regression analyses were used to evaluate the associations between SEP, social support, health literacy, and SUA levels. Furthermore, structural equation modelling (SEM) was utilized to examine these associations.

RESULTS

(1) Most patients exhibited low health literacy (90.18 ± 15.11), and only 44.4% possessed basic health literacy. (2) SEP was positively correlated with SUA levels (β = 4.086, P < 0.001), and health literacy was negatively related to SUA levels (β = -0.399, P < 0.001). There was no significant relationship between social support and SUA levels (β = 0.051, t = 1.085). (3) Health literacy mediated the association between SEP and SUA levels (β = -0.490, 95% CI: -0.620 to -0.382). SEP had a direct positive effect on SUA levels (β = 0.723) and health literacy (β = 0.696), and the total effect of SEP on SUA levels was 0.233.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings indicate a low level of health literacy among patients with AHU and suggest that health literacy might play a mediating role in the relationship between SEP and SUA levels. Consequently, future initiatives are recommended to prioritize health literacy and devise appropriate intervention strategies to enhance the self-management capabilities of patients with AHU.

A study on the factors influencing the vulnerability of women of childbearing age to health poverty in rural western China

The health of women of childbearing age in rural areas is crucial for the development of individuals, families, and society. Research on the identification and influencing factors of health vulnerability in impoverished and disadvantaged groups is important for adjusting and implementing health poverty alleviation policies. However, there is limited research on the health vulnerability of women of childbearing age in rural Western China. Based on panel data from the Rural Residents' Family Health Status Survey in 2019 and 2022, the vulnerability to health poverty of women of childbearing age in rural areas was constructed using the three-stage feasible generalized least squares method. Variables from four dimensions-physical capital, financial capital, social capital, and human capital-were included in the sustainable livelihood analysis framework for analysis. The Tobit model was used to analyze the influencing factors of vulnerability to health poverty among women of childbearing age in rural Western China, and the contribution rates of various factors were studied using the Shapley value decomposition method. In 2019 and 2022, under the poverty line standards of $1.90 and $2.15, respectively, the vulnerability to health poverty among rural women of childbearing age exceeded 20%. Tobit regression analysis revealed that the type of drinking water being well water significantly increased the vulnerability to health poverty of rural women of childbearing age (P < 0.05), whereas the separation of housing and kitchen, registered poor households, household loans, annual per capita household income, expenditures on social interactions, educational level, self-assessed health status, respondent age, and the utilization of hospital services significantly reduced the vulnerability to health poverty of rural women of childbearing age (P < 0.05). Shapley's decomposition shows that annual per capita household income, expenditures on social interactions, respondent age, and household loans are the factors contributing most to the vulnerability to health poverty of rural women of childbearing age, while other variables have a smaller contribution rate. The health poverty situation of women of childbearing age in rural Western China is not optimistic. Preintervention for health poverty should be strengthened among rural women of childbearing age, early warning mechanisms for the risk of falling back into poverty due to illness should be established, the precise identification of highly vulnerable rural women of childbearing age should be improved, and the medical insurance system for rural women of childbearing age should be enhanced to help improve their current health poverty situation.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practice toward glioma of patients with neurological symptoms or diseases in henan, China

Objective

To explore the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward glioma of patients with neurological symptoms or diseases.

Methods

This web-based cross-sectional study was conducted at two medical centers in Henan Province between January 2023 and April 2023 and enrolled patients with neurological symptoms or diseases. The demographic characteristics of the participants and their KAP toward glioma were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. A structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine the relationship among KAP dimensions.

Results

The study included 442 valid questionnaires. The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 7.65 ± 1.62 (possible range: 0-9), 37.98 ± 3.17 (possible range: 9-45), and 40.16 ± 4.17 (possible range: 10-50), indicating good knowledge, favorable attitude, and active practice. The SEM analysis showed that knowledge directly affected attitudes (β = 0.89, 95%CI: 0.73-1.06, P < 0.001) but not practice (β = -0.08, 95%CI: -0.32-0.14, P = 0.487), while attitudes directly affected practice (β = 0.35, 95%CI: 0.21-0.48, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Patients with neurological symptoms/diseases who had heard of gliomas had good knowledge, favorable attitudes, and active practice toward glioma. Specific knowledge items that would warrant improvements were identified in the specific population of patients with neurological symptoms/diseases who had heard of glioma. Future studies should also examine the general population.

Impaired perception of cardiovascular risk and health literacy in individuals with high cardiovascular diseases risk from different socioeconomic levels in Antalya, Turkey

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine how the frequency of impaired perception of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is correlated with health literacy in individuals with high CVD risk in two regions with different socioeconomic levels.

METHODS

A descriptive study was conducted. The Systematic Coronary Risk Estimation, recommended by the European and Turkish Cardiology Societies, provides recommendations based on individuals' actual CVD risk levels. According to the Systematic Coronary Risk Estimation, participants suffering from diseases were identified as high and very high risk. The perception of risk was determined by subjectively assessing the risk level of the individuals. The European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire was used. The Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-squared test and Spearman's correlation analysis were used to analyse the data. We also conducted a logistic regression analysis to identify factors contributing to impaired perception of CVD risk.

RESULTS

A total of 384 individuals, aged between 40 and 70years (with a mean age of 58.35±8.33years), were included in the study. These individuals had a high risk of CVD and were registered to family health centres from two different socioeconomic levels. Out of the 384 participants, 201 individuals belonged to the lower socioeconomic level region and 183 individuals belonged to the higher socioeconomic level region. A total of 61.7% of the participants with high CVD risk had an impaired perception of CVD risk. The health literacy level of 59.9% of individuals was either inadequate or problematic. The health literacy score of participants with impaired risk perception (29.59±9.07) was lower than those with correct risk perception (35.83±10.94; P <0.001). Factors that affected the perception of CVD risk included age, education level, working status, occupation, a family history of CVD, the CVD risk assessment by health professionals and the recommendation of health professionals to individuals for CVD screening.

CONCLUSIONS

It is necessary for health care professionals to make risk assessments and perform interventions to improve health literacy to raise the awareness of individuals with high CVD risk on their actual risk.

Current status and influencing factors of health literacy among older adults in combined medical and nursing care institutions: a cross-sectional study

Introduction

Health literacy is linked to the health status of older adults and is a critical component in achieving active aging. This study to characterize the current health literacy status among older adults in combined medical and nursing care institutions, as well as the factors that influenced this status.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used a convenience sampling method to select 740 older adults who were in 16 combined medical and nursing care institutions in Chengdu, China, from July 2022 to June 2023, using the Health Literacy Management Scale, the Social Support Rating Scale, and the Short Form-36 Health Survey.

Results

The results showed a health literacy score of 75.25 ± 12.33, the percentage of older adults with basic health literacy was 6.33%, a social support score of 37.37 ± 6.10, and a health-related quality of life score of 55.34 ± 15.48. Factors influencing health literacy included age, educational level, previous occupation, family size, monthly per capita household income, and health-related quality of life.

Discussion

Health literacy is an essential factor in improving the health status of older adults. Relevant departments should therefore improve health education and health promotion interventions for older adults in combined medical and nursing care institutions to improve health literacy.

Factors associated with poor health literacy in older adults: A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

To identify factors associated with poor health literacy in older adults.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was conducted, employing the descriptors "Aged" and "Health Literacy".

PROSPERO - CRD

42022350140.

RESULTS

Out of 23,500 articles screened, 176 were selected. Several factors associated with poor health literacy in older adults were identified, such as sociodemographic (e.g., advanced age, low educational level, non-white population, and others), social (e.g., poor family/social support, loneliness, social isolation, few social activities, and others), economic (e.g., lower income and/or lower socioeconomic status) and health aspects (e.g., poor health, chronic conditions, mental health challenges, hospitalizations, frailty, physical inactivity, cognitive impairment, and others).

CONCLUSIONS

The factors associated with poor health literacy in older adults identified in this review could contribute to future research, support interventions to improve health literacy, and assist professionals in planning educational activities and public policies.

[Association Between Socioeconomic Status, Productive Aging, and Frailty Index in Urban Elderly Population in China]

Objective

To explore the impact of socioeconomic status and productive aging on the frailty index of urban elderly population in China, and to provide reference for improving their health level.

Methods

We obtained data from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) and included 1890 urban elderly people aged 60 and over in the study. Multiple linear regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of the productive aging and the frailty index of the urban elderly population in China. A structural equation model was constructed to explore the relationship between socioeconomic status, productive aging, and frailty index.

Results

Elderly people with high socioeconomic status ( β=0.082, P<0.001) had higher level of productive aging. Elderly people with high socioeconomic status ( β=－0.091, P<0.001) and high level of productive aging ( β=－0.330, P<0.001) had lower frailty index. Productive aging played an intermediary role ( β=－0.259, 95% CI: －0.380--0.181) between socioeconomic status and frailty index.

Conclusion

The socioeconomic status and productive aging of the elderly people are important predictors of their frailty index. The government should exert its leadership functions to encourage the elderly, especially those with low education and income levels, to actively learn knowledge and skills, and to provide support for the elderly to participate in productive activities.

Prospective cross-sectional study on the knowledge and practice of patients visiting outpatient urology clinic in Nigeria on coronavirus disease

Introduction

coronavirus disease is caused by a respiratory virus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). It has assumed a health burden worldwide; hence it was declared a public health emergency of international concern. The pandemic has affected all health related disciplines; urology practice is not spared. It has also had its toll on socioeconomic life. The study aims to assess the knowledge and practice of patients visiting outpatient urology clinic on coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Methods

this is a cross-sectional study conducted to assess the knowledge and practice of patients visiting outpatient urology clinic on COVID-19. All patients aged 18 years and above who consented were included. Association between independent variables (social demographic characteristics) and dependent variables (knowledge and practice) using Fisher´s exact, while predictors of dependent variables were assessed using logistics regression model.

Results

a total of 154 respondents participated. Majority of respondents (50.0%) were between 60 and 69 years. Male constitute 90.3% of respondent. Majority, 65% of respondent had good knowledge while (80%) adopted good practice towards preventing COVID-19. There was an association between age and practice of preventive measure (p = 0.032). There were no predictors of knowledge and practice of preventive measures towards coronavirus disease amongst the socio-demographic characteristics.

Conclusion

concerted efforts should be made at educating the populace on knowledge, good practices across socio-demographic groups on COVID-19, particularly at the Hospital. Measures should be in place to develop Tele-health as this would improve response at curtailing coronavirus disease and improve health care.

Differences in Health Literacy of Older Adults According to Sociodemographic Characteristics

BACKGROUND: The research is based on the concept of health literacy. This is the “sixth vital sign” to navigating the healthcare system and raising self-efficacy in the field of healthcare. AIM: The study aim was to present the health literacy of the elderly in the Savinja statistical region in Slovenia. METHODS: The study was based on a non-experimental quantitative research approach. The study included 199 elderly people aged 65 and more, without the presence of dementia. The data were collected using the Health Literacy and Montreal Cognitive Assessment questionnaire. We used a non-random, convenience sampling. RESULTS: We established that in the study population, 64.8 % of the population was below the level of acceptable general health literacy, whereas only 3.5 % of this population had an excellent level of health literacy. Statistically significant differences in the level of health literacy are shown in the field of healthcare treatment in older adults living with their families (F = 5,198; p ˂ 0,001). Respondents who engaged in activities in day care centres also had a higher level of health literacy (t = 3,738; p < 0,001). People with low health literacy, who use health services more frequently, should be given access to health education, based on individual presentation of contents, supported by andragogical knowledge. CONCLUSION: The health literacy of older adults is the basis for their greater care for their own health and a better quality of life.

Multidimensional health literacy profiles and health-related behaviors in the elderly: A cross-sectional survey

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Cross-Sectional Study on Health Literacy and Internet Accessibility Among Patients With DM in Gansu, China

Objective: To determine the relationship between the health literacy of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and the accessibility of internet surfing for information concerning DM.

Methods: A multistage stratified sampling method was utilized to conduct a questionnaire survey on DM health literacy and internet accessibility among 1,563 patients with DM in Gansu Province in 2020. Logistic regression was performed to analyze the factors that influence health literacy and internet accessibility; while the chi-square test was used to compare the differences in needs.

Results: Among 1,563 valid questionnaires collected with an effective rate of 95.7%, there were 65.4, 66.3, or 51.1% of patients with DM were found to have good health knowledge, attitudes, or practice levels, respectively. Occupation, income, disease course of DM, and accessibility to the internet were the main factors influencing health literacy. Age, residency, occupation, education, income, and family history of DM were the factors influencing accessibility to internet surfing for DM. The expectations from patients with DM for the capacity to obtain DM information from traditional sources or through internet sources was 1,465 (93.7%) or 1,145 (73.3%), respectively. Patients with DM had a 2-fold higher desire to obtain DM health information from internet media if the patients had access to the internet than those without (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: The socioeconomic status and access to the internet were the main contributing factors for health literacy, as socioeconomic status is closely related to access to the internet.

Research on Influencing Factors and Dimensions of Health Literacy in Different Age Groups: Before and After the COVID-19 Era in Chongqing, China

Background: Understanding the levels of health literacy among different groups is essential for better public health interventions targeting specific subgroups of the population. Additionally, this article explores the prevalence and influencing factors of the health literacy levels of different age groups during the COVID-19 epidemic. Methods: Multistage stratified cluster random sampling and the Probability Proportion to Size (PPS) method were used to select permanent residents aged 15-69 in Chongqing (54,706) for the questionnaire survey. The survey period is from July 2019 and July 2020. Single-factor analysis and logistic regression models were used to study the relationship between demographics, socioeconomic factors, other independent covariates, and health literacy. Results: The health literacy levels of residents declined with age, and there were significant differences in health literacy levels between age groups (χ² = 3332.884, P < 0.05). As far as the factors affecting health literacy level are concerned, high education and high income are the protective factors for health literacy level for residents of all ages. For adolescents (OR = 1.383, 95% CI: 1.217-1.571), young adults (OR = 1.232, 95% CI = 1.117-1.358), and middle-aged people (OR = 1.096, 95% CI = 1.017-1.182), residence in rural areas was a protective factor. In terms of the dimensions of health literacy, in particular, elderly health literacy in 2020 in Scientific Health Concepts, Safety and First Aid, Basic Medical Care decreased significantly compared with 2019. Conclusions: For adolescents, young adults, middle-aged people, to solve the problem of urban and rural health quality gap, we should not only use the geographical division, but also consider the social population and socio-economic differences. For the elderly, the following four dimensions of health literacy need to be paid more attention than those of other age: Basic Knowledge and Concepts, Scientific Health Concepts, Safety and First Aid, and Basic Medical Care. A lack of knowledge on the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases is the main reason for the recent decline in health literacy. And the health literacy among residents in major public health emergencies is needed.

The Prevalence of Limited Health Literacy and Its Associated Factors among Elderly Patients Attending an Urban Academic Primary Care Clinic in Malaysia

Limited health literacy (HL) is linked to many negative health outcomes, including poor self-management of chronic diseases and medication adherence among patients. There are a lack of data regarding HL in the elderly population in Malaysia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of limited HL levels and its associated factors among elderly patients in an urban academic primary care clinic in Selangor, Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 413 elderly patients (≥60 years old) who attended this academic primary care clinic between January 2020 and January 2021. Sociodemographic data, clinical characteristics, and health literacy scores were collected. Descriptive statistics (median with interquartile ranges (IQR), frequency, and percentages) and multiple logistic regression were utilized. The prevalence of limited HL in our population was 19.1% (95% CI: 15.3, 23). The middle-old (70–79 years) and very-old (≥80 years) age groups were more likely to have limited HL (aOR 4.05; 95% CI: 2.19, 7.52 and aOR 4.36; 95% CI: 1.02, 18.63, respectively). Those with at least secondary school education (aOR 0.06; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.24) and those who found medical information via the internet/television (aOR 0.21; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.93) had lower odds of having limited HL. In conclusion, having limited HL levels was not common among elderly patients in this primary care clinic. Further studies involving rural and larger primary care clinics in Malaysia are required to support these findings.