Yoxas/statistical_literacy huggingface dataset:
Health literacy influences how children and families participate in their medical care, use health services, and overall health outcomes. Health literacy is underexplored in pediatric dermatology. In this scoping review, we provide examples of how limited health literacy can be a barrier to patient care in pediatric dermatology and how to mitigate its effects. Limited health literacy is associated with worse health outcomes, decreased medication adherence, and decreased use of the healthcare system versus those with adequate health literacy. Materials created to help patients understand their medical conditions and treatment options often are written at a reading level far above that of the average patient and caregiver. Given the reading level of patient-facing materials, those with limited health literacy are more susceptible to medication administration errors, with omissions or incorrect dosing being most frequent to occur. There is limited research about how skills related to health literacy, including numeracy and electronic health literacy, can be addressed in pediatric dermatology. Health literacy impacts patient care, treatment, and adherence in pediatric dermatology. This article gives examples of how to address common challenges in the pediatric dermatology clinic and presents areas for further research and improvement.
Health literacy involves individuals' knowledge, personal skills, and confidence to take action to evaluate and appraise health-related information and improve their health or that of their community. This study aimed to analyze the association between health literacy and attitude toward vaccines, adjusted with other factors. We used the SLAVACO Wave 3, a survey conducted in December 2021 among a sample of 2022 individuals, representative of the French adult population. We investigated factors associated with the attitude toward vaccines using respondents' different sociodemographic data, health literacy levels, and the health care system confidence levels using a multinomial logistic regression analysis. Among the participants, 440.4 (21.8%) were classified as "distrustful of vaccines in general," 729.2 (36.1%) were "selectively hesitant," and 852.4 (42.2%) were "nonhesitant." In our model, the level of health literacy was not statistically different between the "distrustful of vaccines in general" and the "selectively hesitant" (P=.48), but it was associated with being a "nonhesitant" (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.86, 95% CI 1.25-2.76). The confidence in the health care system was a strong predictor for a "nonhesitant" attitude toward vaccines (aOR 12.4, 95% CI 7.97-19.2). We found a positive correlation of 0.34 (P<.001) between health literacy and confidence in the health care system, but the interaction term between health literacy and health care system confidence was not significant in our model. Health literacy was associated with a "nonhesitant" attitude toward vaccines. The findings demonstrated that health literacy and confidence in the health care system are modestly correlated. Therefore, to tackle the subject of vaccine hesitancy, the main focus should be on increasing the population's confidence and on increasing their health literacy levels or providing vaccine information addressing the needs of less literate citizens.
Health literacy is a capacity of individual to gain knowledge that helps to use health information in different levels as needed for self-management and to communicate with health providers. Health literacy has a significant impact on patient health outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess level of patient health literacy and associated factors among adult admitted patients at public hospitals of West Shoa zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional, quantitative study was carried out among adult admitted patients at public hospitals of West Shoa Oromia, Ethiopia. An interviewer-administered Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) instrument tool was used to assess patients' health literacy. All statistical analysis were performed using SPSS for windows program version 21. A total of 403 patients participated in this study. Majority of the participants were males 235 (58.3%) and aged 40-59 years (n = 164, 40.7%). Overall, 59.1% (n = 238) of the participants have high health literacy. Those respondents who are above grade 12 (tertiary) were 2.45 times more likely to have high health literacy (AOR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.21, 4.98) compared to those respondents not able to read and write . Participants who had age greater or equal to sixty were 65% less likely to have high health literacy (AOR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.18, 0.70). Forty percent of the participants have low health literacy. Age and education are significant factors in health literacy. Ethiopian ministry of health, Oromia regional health bureau, West shoa zonal office and healthcare professionals have to provide an intervention in enhancing the level of health literacy by mass media and written material.
Health literacy is a critical health determinant, for which few computerized, self-administered assessments exist. This study adapted and tested the reliability of the Newest Vital Sign© (NVS) as a computerized, self-administered health literacy screener. Phase one involved 33 participants to create response options for a computerized, self-administered NVS (C-NVS). Phase two was a randomized crossover trial to test the consistency of C-NVS and original, interviewer-administered NVS (I-NVS) scores in 89 participants. Linear mixed-effects regression model results showed a significant carryover effect (p < .001). Crossover trial data from time 1 showed that participants who initially received the C-NVS had significantly higher average scores (M = 5.7, SD = 0.6) than participants who received the I-NVS (M = 4.5, SD = 1.5; t(87) = 5.25, p < .001). Exploratory analysis results showed that when the washout period was longer than 33 days (75th percentile) the carryover effect was not statistically significant (p = .077). Findings suggest learning can occur when health literacy screeners are administered more than once in less than a month's time and computerized, self-administered health literacy screeners may produce ceiling effects. A universal precautions approach to health literacy therefore remains germane.
Health literacy is a crucial aspect of informed decision-making, and limited health literacy has been associated with worse health care outcomes. To date, health literacy has not been examined in vascular surgery patients. Therefore, we conducted a prospective observational study to determine the prevalence and factors associated with poor health literacy in vascular surgery patients. The Newest Vital Sign (Pfizer, New York, NY), a validated instrument, was used to appraise the health literacy of 150 patients who visited the outpatient vascular clinic at UF Health Shands Hospital between April 2022 and August 2022. Patients who scored a 4 (out of 6) or higher were classified as having adequate health literacy. Each study participant also completed a sociodemographic questionnaire. In total, 82 out of the 150 (54%) patients we screened had limited health literacy. The prevalence of limited health literacy varied and was independently associated with increased age (odds ratio 1.06; 95% [1.02 to 1.10], P = .004), having not attended college (high school diploma versus college+ odds ratio 3.5; 95% [1.26 to 10.1], P = .018), and African American race (odds ratio 5.3; 95% [1.59 to 22.3], P = .012). A total of 83% of African American patients had limited health literacy, compared to 49% of Asian and White patients. Most vascular surgery patients have limited health literacy. Increased age, fewer years of education, and African American race were associated with limited health literacy. Physicians caring for patients with lower health literacy should investigate and use communication strategies tailored to patients with limited health literacy.
Health literacy is a current Public Health priority in Portugal. The participation of well-informed patients in their care and shared decision making are essential, especially in chronic aggressive and debilitating pathologies such as recurrent or metastatic (R/M) Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC). This study aimed to characterize R/M HNSCC patients' and caregivers' information needs identified by healthcare professionals (HCPs). Two online Focus Groups, one with only medical doctors and the other with other HCPs involved in the treatment of R/M HNSCC patients, were conducted, using a modified Metaplan, Lean or adapted PDCA methodology. The discussions were audio recorded in full and content analysis was performed using ATLAS.ti qualitative data analysis software. Topics addressed were diagnosis, treatment, quality of life, and global evaluation. In general, all experts agreed that only essential information should be cautiously given, according to patients' and caregivers' wishes. It was consensual that patients are given the necessary information to adhere to treatment. Two main barriers were identified: one barrier was associated with verbal communication due to the lack of health literacy of these patients, and the other barrier regarded healthcare access. It was also considered important to remind patients of the daily and social activities that they could and should maintain, as well as providing sufficient social resources and problem-solving training to caregivers. This qualitative study highlights the complexity of R/M HNSCC patients' care. Immediate availability of psychologists and psychiatrists should be implemented in all centers that treat HNSCC patients. The differences found between the physicians' Focus Group and other HCPs' Focus Group in some of the addressed topics emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary and holistic approach, in a biomedical model integrated with a biopsychosocial model.
Health literacy is a determinant factor for population health. It is important both for the prevention of health problems and the better management of those problems and unexpected situations that happen. Low health literacy has been consistently associated with poor health outcomes. This study aimed to develop a health literacy indicator for Angola and to analyze pertinent demographic characteristics related to it. Data were obtained from the first Angola Demographic and Health Survey conducted in 2015/16; we included 10 questions related to the American National Academy of Medicine definition of health literacy. Using factor analysis, we extracted one i indicator corresponding to four dimensions of health literacy. The indicator was dichotomized, and we used Logistic Regression to estimate factors associated with health literacy level: we obtained data from 19,785 adolescents and adults, aged 15-49 years. The internal consistency of the i indicator was reliable (Cronbach's α = 0.83). Adjusting for other variables, males with complete secondary education or above and living in urban areas were more likely to have a high level of health literacy. There were substantial differences between the 18 regions. This is the first study evaluating health literacy in Angola using the American National Academy of Medicine definition and a Demographic and Health survey. Our study shows unfavorable results for women, individuals living in rural areas and those less educated.
Health literacy is a main factor in health for its improvement, allowing the individuals to have a greater capacity to engage and participate in collective health promotion actions. The evaluation of functional health literacy is essential to determine the ability that each individual has to understand basic health information. The present study aimed to perform the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry-30 to the Portuguese language and test the reliability and validity of this version. After translation and cultural adaptation, the instrument was applied to a group of individuals that participate in the program Atividade Senior, developed by the municipality of Viseu, Portugal. The final sample was composed by 206 participants that accepted responding to the translated version of the instrument. Statistical validation was accomplished to complete the process and obtain the final instrument. One question was removed for the creation of the final instrument with 29 questions, therefore being named Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry-29 PT. The Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry-29 PT presented good internal reliability. Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.89 to 0.90 when words were deleted individually. The analysis of test-retest reliability revealed excellent reproducibility. We can verify that the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry-29 PT scale for assessment of oral health literacy among older adults presents an acceptable internal consistency, with a global Cronbach´s alpha of 0.894. The new scale can be applied to assess oral health literacy among older Portuguese adults, presenting an acceptable internal consistency and is validated to assess oral health literacy and is crucial in epidemiological studies.
Health literacy is a multidimensional set of skills (e.g., narrative, numeracy, digital, medication) that patients need to access and understand health information timely and accurately to make evidence-based informed decisions. Multiple barriers prevent patients from effectively interacting with health information. The most salient barriers are poor overall health literacy skills and linguistic proficiency in English. As patients prefer direct access to laboratory test results, especially those of routine tests, contextualization and provider-directed interpretation of results are required to foster shared decision-making to address their healthcare issues and improve health outcomes. The use of systematic approaches that account for poor health literacy skills and include culturally and linguistically appropriate planning and availability of resources is warranted at individual and population health levels (e.g., human-centered design of patient portals).
Health literacy is a strong factor in the health outcomes and behaviors of adolescents. This study was conducted to examine the health literacy levels of adolescents, their health behaviors, and the effect of health literacy on health behaviors. This cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 649 adolescents between the ages of 14 and 18. Data were collected using the Adolescent Lifestyle Profile II (ALP-R2) and the Health Literacy Scale for School-Age Children (HLSAC). A multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine the effects of health literacy on health behaviors and the factors associated with health behaviors. The mean total ALP-R2 score of the participants was 114.35 ± 17.48, and their mean HLSAC score was 28.95 ± 5.79. Among the participants, 26% had low health literacy, 61.9% had moderate health literacy, and 12% had high health literacy. The regression analysis revealed that the health literacy levels of the participants significantly predicted all dimensions of health behaviors and total health behaviors (p < 0.001). The health literacy levels of the participants, the community where the adolescent lived, their participation in social activities, family relationships, friend relationships, and health perceptions significantly predicted their total health behaviors (R2 = 0.347; p < 0.001). The health literacy levels and health behaviors of adolescents were found to be moderate, and their health behaviors increased as their levels of health literacy increased. The results showed that the health literacy and health behaviors of adolescents need to be improved. Nurses should provide training to increase the healthy lifestyle behaviors and health literacy of adolescents.
Health literacy is an important predictor of health outcomes. The Health Literacy Questionnaire has been widely adopted to measure health literacy and has been translated into multiple languages including Chinese. This study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the simplified Chinese Health Literacy Questionnaire. Data were obtained from a sample of 362 Chinese immigrants from Chinese community organizations in New South Wales, Australia. Statistical analyses include descriptive and exploratory factor analyses. A seven-factor solution was derived from 39 of the original 44 items, all with acceptable to excellent internal consistency but differing from the original construction. The health literacy subscale scores were negatively associated with age and with age at immigration, but positively associated with duration of stay (years) in Australia, better English proficiency and current employment. Differing interpretations of the questions based on Chinese culture could possibly explain the variations between the two versions. The simplified Chinese Health Literacy Questionnaire measures some central concepts of health literacy well. However, the questionnaire may require further development, especially in linguistic and cultural aspects.
Health literacy is an important social determinant of health and affects the ability to make decisions and take action to manage one's health. The purpose of this study was to psychometrically examine the Arabic versions of HLS-EU-Q16 and HLS-EU-Q6 and their response patterns among Arabic-speaking persons in Sweden. By convenience sampling from a variety of settings, a total of 335 participants were invited to participate. The participants completed a self-assessment of comprehensive health literacy by answering the Ar-HLS-EU-Q16 questionnaire, also including the six items for Ar-HLS-EU-Q6. Statistical analysis was guided by The COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments. Floor/ceiling effects, construct, structural and criterion validity, test-retest reliability and internal consistency reliability were analysed. In total, 320 participants were included in the psychometric evaluation. Mean age was 42.1 (SD 12.5), 63% (n = 199) were females and 53% (n = 169) had at least 10 years of education. No floor or ceiling effect were found for the Ar-HLS-EU-Q16 or Ar-HLS-EU-Q6. For both instruments, construct validity was confirmed in four out of five expected correlations (weak positive correlation to educational level, self-perceived health, and years in Sweden; moderate positive correlation with higher sum score on the Arabic electronic health literacy scale, and strong positive correlation to higher Ar-HLS-EU-Q16/Ar-HLS-EU-Q6). For Ar-HLS-EU-Q16, the principal component analysis resulted in a three-factor model with all items significantly correlating to only one factor. For Ar-HLS-EU-Q6, the principal component analysis supported a one-factor solution. Criterion validity showed poor agreement between the two questionnaires with a Cohen κ 0.58 (p < 0.001). Test-retest reliability showed a substantial agreement, Cohen's κ for Ar-HLS-EU-Q16 and Ar-HLS-EU-Q6 were both 0.89. The internal consistency of both versions was acceptable, Cronbach alpha for Arabic-HLS-EU-Q16 was 0.91 and for Arabic-HLS-EU-Q6, 0.79. Split-half reliability was 0.95 and 0.78, respectively. The Arabic version of HLS-EU-Q16 shows good psychometric properties, validated in a Swedish setting. The findings can further inform and guide future validation studies in other settings worldwide. Furthermore, the results of the present study did not support criterion validity of Ar-HLS-EU-Q6.
Health literacy is associated with health behaviors and outcomes. Using Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Services Use, this study examined the role of limited English proficiency (LEP) and social support for the health literacy of Korean American immigrant women, one of the most affected groups by LEP. Researchers surveyed 232 Korean American immigrant women in a metro area in a Southeastern state, U.S. Health literacy was measured by the CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Questionnaire and the California Health Interview Survey. Participants with better English proficiency and larger social support had higher health literacy. LEP and social support interaction was significantly associated with health literacy, illustrating social support as a buffer that mitigates the negative impact of LEP on health literacy. Community programs that enhance social support through community health advocates or peer educators may increase health literacy and reduce health disparities among Korean American immigrant women with LEP.
Health literacy is associated with heart failure (HF) care and outcomes. Online resources offer important educational materials for patients seeking access to heart transplantation but tend to be complex and potentially ineffective for non-English speakers and those with low reading levels. The purpose of this study was to evaluate both the readability of patient-level information posted on United States heart transplant center websites and the availability of non-English resources. We performed a review of patient-facing information on websites of U.S. heart transplant centers identified through the United Network for Organ Sharing in August 2022. Written English text was extracted and assessed for readability by using the Fry Graph Readability score. Websites were additionally evaluated for non-English language text and translator tools. Standard ANOVA analysis was used to compare readability levels across transplant regions. The median Fry readability level to understand a piece of text for all regions was 15, which is equivalent to a college-junior reading level (range: 7-17, 7th grade to postgraduate level). There was no statistical difference in median Fry readability levels among regions (P = 0.16). Of the 139 eligible heart transplant center websites, only 56.1% (78/139) had non-English resources available for patients. Regions 5 (75% [15/20]) and 6 (75% [3/4]) had the highest percentage of non-English resources, and region 2 had the lowest (38% [6/16]). Heart transplant center online resources are inadequate, and many do not provide translations of the English language. Additional work is needed to standardize heart-transplant patient information for a diverse U.S.
Health literacy is associated with many patient outcomes. This study sought to determine the association between a person's level of health literacy and their knowledge about Chagas disease. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with people living in two counties in rural Loja Province, Ecuador who attended a mobile health clinic. The communities in which the study was conducted are at high risk of Chagas disease and have limited access to both health care and educational resources. The Spanish version of Short Assessment for Health Literacy measured health literacy. The Chagas Disease Knowledge questionnaire measured knowledge of Chagas disease. T-tests and correlational analysis were used to assess associations. Overall 85 people participated in this study. A majority of the respondents were female (64.1%), and a plurality were married (40.7%) and had education less than secondary (40.7%). The average age of the sample was 44.31 ± 18.85. Health literacy levels and Chagas disease knowledge in the communities were low. About half of people had inadequate health literacy. No association between health literacy and Chagas knowledge was found. Health literacy levels and Chagas disease knowledge were not found to be correlated. Explanations for the lack of association may include common causes of inadequate investment in Chagas disease education as well as neglect of health systems in rural Ecuador. Efforts to improve both health literacy and Chagas disease knowledge in poorer, rural areas of Ecuador are needed. This is the first study to assess relationships between health literacy and knowledge of Chagas disease in an uninfected population. For novel conditions, relationships between health literacy and disease knowledge should be investigated before communication campaigns are adapted.