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Alqarni AS, Pasay-An E, Saguban R, Cabansag D, Gonzales F, Alkubati S, Villareal S, Lagura GAL, Alshammari SA, Aljarboa BE, Mostoles R. Relationship between the Health Literacy and Self-Medication Behavior of Primary Health Care Clientele in the Hail Region, Saudi Arabia: Implications for Public Health. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2023; 13:1043-1057. [PMID: 37366784 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe13060080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Because they are unaware of the potential adverse effects of medications, people frequently self-medicate as a form of self-care. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with health literacy and the propensity to self-medicate among the primary healthcare clientele of the city of Hail, Saudi Arabia. METHODS This research employed a cross-sectional approach with the participation of 383 primary health center clientele of the Hail Region of Saudi Arabia. Participation was enacted via convenience sampling from December 2022 to February 2023. The data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. The investigation utilized descriptive statistics as well as multiple linear regression and correlation for the data analysis. RESULTS Participants who were aged 30 years and above, single, had a college degree, were non-Saudi, had a white-collar occupation and received information from the internet/Google/YouTube had a significant relationship (p < 0.05) with health literacy. On the self-medication scale (SMS), there were significant relationships with age, marital status, educational level and occupation (p < 0.05). The nationality and source of information factors related to health had a positively significant effect on health literacy (p < 0.01), while middle age (24-29 years) had a positive effect on the self-medication scores (p < 0.01). There was a significant positive correlation between the health literacy screening scale (BRIEF) and the self-medication scale (SMS) scores (r = 421, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Age of 30 years old or above, single status, a college degree, non-Saudi status, white-collar occupation and receiving information from the internet/Google/YouTube were all significant for health literacy. There were also significant relationships with the SMS scores for age, marital status, educational level and occupation. The factors affecting health literacy were older participant age, nationality and the source of information regarding health. Conversely, among the participants, being in the middle-aged group (24-29 years) was a factor that affected their self-medication scores. There was a significant positive correlation between the health literacy screening scale (BRIEF) and the self-medication scale (SMS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidah Sanad Alqarni
- Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, College of Nursing, King Khalid University, Abha 62521, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eddieson Pasay-An
- Maternal and Child Nursing Department, College of Nursing, University of Hail, Hail 2440, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reynita Saguban
- College of Nursing, University of Hail, Hail 81491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dolores Cabansag
- College of Nursing, University of Hail, Hail 81491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ferdinand Gonzales
- Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, College of Nursing, King Khalid University, Abha 62521, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sameer Alkubati
- Medical Surgical Nursing Department, College of Nursing, University of Hail, Hail 2440, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sandro Villareal
- College of Nursing, University of Hail, Hail 81491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Grace Ann Lim Lagura
- Maternal and Child Nursing Department, College of Nursing, University of Hail, Hail 2440, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Romeo Mostoles
- College of Nursing, University of Hail, Hail 81491, Saudi Arabia
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Yusefi AR, Barfar E, Daneshi S, Bayati M, Mehralian G, Bastani P. Health literacy and health promoting behaviors among inpatient women during COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:77. [PMID: 35300684 PMCID: PMC8929241 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-01652-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background One of the leading health indicators during the COVID-19 crisis is health literacy and health-promoting behaviors. The present study aimed to investigate health literacy and health-promoting behaviors among women hospitalized during the COVID-19 pandemic in the southern part of Iran in 2020.
Methods This descriptive-analytical study encompassed 465 women hospitalized and treated in none teaching hospitals affiliated with the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Data collection tools were the Health Literacy for Iranian Adults (HELIA) and Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II). The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results The mean scores of the participants’ "health literacy" and "health-promoting behaviors" were 64.41 ± 11.31 and 112.23 ± 16.09, respectively, indicating the poor level of health literacy and the average level of health-promoting behaviors. Moreover, there was a significant direct correlation between health literacy and health-promoting behaviors (P < 0.001, r = 0.471). Furthermore, all health literacy dimensions of comprehension (P < 0.001), accessibility (P < 0.001), reading skills (P < 0.001), evaluation (P = 0.002), and decision making and behavior (P = 0.003) were detected as the predictors of health-promoting behaviors. Further, statistically significant relationships were noticed between the mean score of health literacy with age (r = − 0.327, P = 0.007), level of education (F = 3.119, P = 0.002), and place of residence (t = 2.416, P = 0.004) and between health-promoting behaviors with level of education (F = 3.341, P = 0.001) and marital status (F = 2.868, P = 0.02). Conclusion According to the findings, health policymakers should adopt national measures for educational planning to promote health literacy and support health-promoting behaviors to encourage women to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Reza Yusefi
- Department of Public Health, School of Health, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
| | - Eshagh Barfar
- Health Promotion Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Salman Daneshi
- Department of Public Health, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
| | - Mohsen Bayati
- Health Human Resources Research Center, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Peivand Bastani
- Faculty of Health and Behavioral Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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Pawellek M, Kopf FM, Egger N, Dresch C, Matterne U, Brandstetter S. Pathways linking parental health literacy with health behaviours directed at the child: a scoping review. Health Promot Int 2021; 37:6403923. [PMID: 34668013 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daab154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Health literacy (HL) is thought to be crucial for the management of the manifold demands relating to child health which parents are faced with. Albeit many studies have investigated parental HL and health behaviours (HBs) directed at the child, knowledge about the pathways which link parental HL with HB is scarce. The aim of this scoping review was to identify and comprehensively describe the variety of pathways linking parental HL with HBs directed at the child which were empirically analysed in previous studies. Following established scoping review methods database searches were conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and WebofScience on 5 March 2020. Eligibility criteria included primary, empirical studies assessing parental HL and HB directed at the child in the general parent population. Titles and abstracts were screened independently by six reviewers for potentially relevant publications and data were extracted using standardized data extraction forms. The search identified 6916 articles for title and abstract screening. After full-text review, 50 studies were included in this review. Most studies (N = 24) assumed a direct association between HL and HBs and only few studies (N = 4) used more complex models investigating different pathways or mediation and/or moderation models. Overall, the evidence on the underlying pathways linking parental HL and HBs directed at the child is mixed and fairly limited. Therefore, hypothesis-driven research and integration of results into theoretical frameworks is needed for advancing both the research on HL and public health practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Pawellek
- University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO), University of Regensburg, Klinik St. Hedwig, Steinmetzstr. 1-3, Regensburg 93049, Germany.,Member of the Research and Development Campus Regensburg (WECARE), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Felicitas Maria Kopf
- University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO), University of Regensburg, Klinik St. Hedwig, Steinmetzstr. 1-3, Regensburg 93049, Germany
| | - Nina Egger
- Department of Public Health and Health Education, Freiburg University of Education, Kunzenweg 21, Freiburg 79117, Germany
| | - Carolin Dresch
- Department of Research Methods, Freiburg University of Education, Kunzenweg 21, Freiburg 79117, Germany
| | - Uwe Matterne
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Otto von Guericke University, Leipziger Str. 44, Magdeburg 39120, Germany
| | - Susanne Brandstetter
- University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO), University of Regensburg, Klinik St. Hedwig, Steinmetzstr. 1-3, Regensburg 93049, Germany.,Member of the Research and Development Campus Regensburg (WECARE), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, Regensburg, Germany
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Persell SD, Karmali KN, Lee JY, Lazar D, Brown T, Friesema EM, Wolf MS. Associations Between Health Literacy and Medication Self-Management Among Community Health Center Patients with Uncontrolled Hypertension. Patient Prefer Adherence 2020; 14:87-95. [PMID: 32021120 PMCID: PMC6970267 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s226619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Examine associations between health literacy and several medication self-management constructs among a population of adults with uncontrolled hypertension. PATIENTS AND METHODS Cross-sectional study of health center patients from the Chicago area with uncontrolled hypertension enrolled between April 2012 and February 2015. Medication self-management constructs-applied to hypertension medications, chronic condition medications and all medications-included: 1) medication reconciliation, 2) knowledge of drug indications, 3) understanding instructions and dosing, and 4) self-reported adherence over 4 days (no missed doses). We determined associations between health literacy and self-management outcomes using multivariable generalized linear regression. RESULTS There were 1460 patients who completed screening interviews; 62.9% enrolled and had complete baseline data collected, and were included in the analysis. Of 919 participants, 47.4% had likely limited (low), 33.2% possibly limited, and 19.4% likely adequate health literacy. Compared to participants with likely adequate health literacy, participants with low health literacy were less likely to have chronic medications reconciled (18.0% versus 29.6%, p=0.007), know indications for chronic medications (64.1% versus 83.1%, p<0.001), and demonstrate understanding of instructions and dosing (68.1% versus 82.9%, p=0.001). Self-reported adherence to hypertension medications was higher among the low health literacy group (65.6% versus 56.0%, p=0.010). In multivariable models, health literacy was strongly associated with knowledge of drug indications, and understanding of instructions and dosing. CONCLUSION Low health literacy was associated with worse medication self-management in several domains. However, non-adherence was greatest in the most health literate in unadjusted analysis. Among a population of patients with uncontrolled hypertension, the drivers of poor control may vary by health literacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen D Persell
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Center for Primary Care Innovation, Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Correspondence: Stephen D Persell Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Department of MedicineFeinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 750 North Lake Shore Drive, 10th Floor, Chicago, IL60611, USATel +1 312 503 6464Fax +1 312 503 2755 Email
| | - Kunal N Karmali
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ji Young Lee
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Danielle Lazar
- Access Community Health Network and the ACCESS Center for Discovery and Learning, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tiffany Brown
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Elisha M Friesema
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Center for Primary Care Innovation, Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Michael S Wolf
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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Borges K, Sibbald C, Hussain-Shamsy N, Vasilevska-Ristovska J, Banh T, Patel V, Brooke J, Piekut M, Reddon M, Aitken-Menezes K, McNaughton A, Pearl RJ, Langlois V, Radhakrishnan S, Licht CPB, Piscione TD, Levin L, Noone D, Hebert D, Parekh RS. Parental Health Literacy and Outcomes of Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome. Pediatrics 2017; 139:peds.2016-1961. [PMID: 28213606 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2016-1961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Determine the association of parental health literacy with treatment response among children with nephrotic syndrome. METHODS This was a cohort study of children aged 1-18 with nephrotic syndrome and their parent. Health literacy was measured using the validated Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults assessing reading comprehension and numeracy. Outcomes included initial relapse-free period, frequently relapsing disease, relapse rate, second-line medication use, and complete remission after therapy. RESULTS Of 190 parents, 80% had adequate health literacy (score >67 of 100), and higher scores were not correlated with higher education. Almost all achieved perfect numeracy scores (>86%); numeracy was not associated with outcomes. After adjusting for immigration, education, and income, higher reading comprehension scores (tertile 3) compared with lower scores (tertile 1) were significantly associated with lower risk of first relapse (hazard ratio 0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.48-0.94, P trend = .02), lower odds of frequently relapsing disease (odds ratio [OR] 0.38, 95% CI 0.21-0.70, P trend = .002), lower relapse rate (rate ratio 0.77, 95% CI 0.73-0.80, P trend < .001), and higher odds of complete remission after both initial steroids and cyclophosphamide (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.36-3.16, P trend = .003; OR 5.97, 95% CI 2.42-14.7, P trend < .001). CONCLUSIONS Lower parental health literacy, specifically reading comprehension, is associated with higher relapse rates among children with nephrotic syndrome and fewer achieving complete remission. This underscores the importance of assessing and targeting health literacy for chronic management of childhood-onset diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cathryn Sibbald
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | | | - Tonny Banh
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Research Institute
| | - Viral Patel
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Research Institute
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Rachel J Pearl
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Research Institute.,Division of Nephrology, and.,Brampton Civic Hospital, William Osler Health System, Brampton, Canada
| | - Valerie Langlois
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Research Institute.,Division of Nephrology, and
| | | | - Christoph P B Licht
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Research Institute.,Division of Nephrology, and.,Program in Cell Biology, Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Tino D Piscione
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Research Institute.,Division of Nephrology, and
| | - Leo Levin
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Damien Noone
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Research Institute.,Division of Nephrology, and
| | - Diane Hebert
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Research Institute.,Division of Nephrology, and
| | - Rulan S Parekh
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Research Institute, .,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Division of Nephrology, and.,University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; and.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Mozafari M, Borji M. Assessing the health literacy level of parents in School children Ilam in 2015. J Nurs Educ 2017. [DOI: 10.21859/jne-05068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Child sleep problems are prevalent and have been linked to poor behavior, worse school performance, and obesity. Low health literacy (HL) is associated with suboptimal parenting practices and worse health outcomes, but the relationship between parent HL and child sleep-related issues is not known. We examined the association between parent HL and child sleep-related issues. METHODS This was a cross-sectional analysis of data from caregivers enrolled in a cluster randomized trial of a primary care-based child obesity prevention program in 4 pediatric clinics. Parent HL was assessed using the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults. At the 9-month well-child visit, sleep-related factors were assessed: presence of TV in room where child sleeps, regular naptimes and bedtimes (≥5 days/wk), low daytime and nighttime sleep duration (>1 SD below mean on the basis of national data). Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS We enrolled 557 caregivers of 9-month-old children (49.7% Hispanic, 26.9% black, 56.2% <$20,000 annual income); 49.6% reported having a TV in the room where their child sleeps; 26.6% did not have regular naptimes norbedtimes. Median sleep duration was 2.3 (interquartile range, 1.5-3.0) hours (daytime), and 9.0 (interquartile range, 8.0-10.0) hours (night) (30.2% low daytime; 20.3% low nighttime sleep duration). Children of parents with low HL were more likely to have a bedroom TV (66.7% vs 47.7%, P = .01; adjusted odds ratio, 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-4.3) and low night-time sleep (37.0% vs 18.5%; P = .002; adjusted odds ratio, 2.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-4.8). CONCLUSIONS Low parent HL is associated with TV in the bedroom and low night sleep duration. Additional study is needed to further explore these associations and intervention strategies to address child sleep problems.
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Relation of Health Literacy to Exceeding the Labeled Maximum Daily Dose of Acetaminophen. Am J Prev Med 2016; 50:e183-e190. [PMID: 26689980 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2015.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Revised: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 11/03/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acetaminophen is a commonly used analgesic/antipyretic; overdoses can lead to liver damage. Little is known about the relationship of health literacy to exceeding the recommended maximum daily dose (4 g). METHODS Subjects were recruited at 23 U.S. malls in 2011. Health literacy was measured by Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM), classified as very low (VLL, score <45); low (LL, 45-60); or adequate (AL, >60). Participants completed a 7-day acetaminophen use diary by daily telephone interview; an exit interview covered demographics, physical/mental health, medical history, medication label reading, and medication-taking knowledge/attitudes. Acetaminophen products were identified from a comprehensive list; subjects were not required to know their medications contained acetaminophen. Seven hundred fifty-six subjects aged ≥18 years had taken acetaminophen in the past 30 days and completed 7 diary days with ≥1 day of acetaminophen use, plus the exit survey. Analysis was conducted in 2012-2014. RESULTS VLL were more likely than AL individuals to exceed 4 g on ≥1 day (OR [95% CI]=3.8 [1.5, 9.6]; 4.0 [1.3, 12] after controlling for five REALM score-related factors). On usage days, VLL individuals were also more likely to exceed 4 g (3.3 [1.1, 10], by generalized estimating equations; 2.4 [0.9, 6.6], direct effect after accounting for mediation by other deviations from label recommendations). CONCLUSIONS VLL individuals exceed the recommended maximum acetaminophen dose more often than AL individuals. Other identified characteristics related to health literacy do not explain this, but it is partly mediated by increased frequency of other label deviations.
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Erickson SR, LeRoy B. Health literacy and medication administration performance by caregivers of adults with developmental disabilities. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2015; 55:169-77. [PMID: 25615819 DOI: 10.1331/japha.2015.14101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To measure health literacy (HL) of caregivers of adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDDs); to determine the association between HL and a medication administration task (MAT) assessment; and to identify caregiver characteristics associated with higher HL and MAT scores. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Southeastern Michigan. PARTICIPANTS Caregivers, aged 18 years or older, who provided supportive care of adults with IDDs. INTERVENTIONS Survey and demonstration. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (STOFHLA); a MAT assessment consisting of interpretation of five sets of medication instructions followed by demonstration of understanding using a pill box; and a survey of caregivers' demographics, medication-related experiences, education, characteristics of persons for whom they provide care, and care-related activities performed. RESULTS A total of 47 caregivers provided data. Caregivers had a mean age of 45.7 ± 14.6 years; 41 (87.2%) were women and 38 (80.9%) had education beyond high school. Caregivers were involved in obtaining medication from pharmacies, reminded the person with IDD to take medications and/or administered them to the person, documented medication and health information, and accompanied persons with IDD to physician offices. Most did not conduct monitoring procedures. The STOFHLA mean score was 34.5 ± 2.5 (median, 35; range, 22-36), while the MAT mean score was 12.0 ± 2.2 (median, 12; range, 6-15). Compared with family caregivers, direct support staff more frequently had undergone some medication training and had other people with whom they could discuss medication questions, but they had worked with the person with IDD a significantly shorter amount of time. No significant differences in STOFHLA and MAT scores between the family caregivers and direct support staff were observed. Caregiver education was significantly correlated with the STOFHLA score. MAT scores were not significantly correlated with caregiver characteristics. CONCLUSION Caregivers are involved in the medication use process for people who have IDD. Ensuring caregiver understanding of medication regimens and/or improving medication-related HL may be an important step to ensure safe and effective use of medications by people with IDD.
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Mantwill S, Schulz PJ. Low health literacy associated with higher medication costs in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: Evidence from matched survey and health insurance data. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2015; 98:S0738-3991(15)30015-X. [PMID: 26198546 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2015.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Revised: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Studies have shown that people with lower levels of health literacy create higher emergency, inpatient and total healthcare costs, yet little is known about how health literacy may affect medication costs. This cross-sectional study aims at investigating the relationship between health literacy and three years of medication costs (2009-2011) in a sample of patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS 391 patients from the German-speaking part of Switzerland who were insured with the same health insurer were interviewed. Health literacy was measured by a validated screening question and interview records were subsequently matched with data on medication costs. A bootstrap regression analysis was applied to investigate the relationship between health literacy and medication costs. RESULTS In 2010 and 2011 lower levels of health literacy were significantly associated with higher medication costs (p<.05). CONCLUSION The results suggest that diabetic patients with lower health literacy will create higher medication costs. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Besides being sensitive towards patients' health literacy levels, healthcare providers may have to take into account its potential impact on patients' medication regimen, misuse and healthcare costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Mantwill
- Institute of Communication & Health, University of Lugano, Switzerland.
| | - Peter J Schulz
- Institute of Communication & Health, University of Lugano, Switzerland
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Mackert M, Champlin S, Su Z, Guadagno M. The Many Health Literacies: Advancing Research or Fragmentation? HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2015; 30:1161-1165. [PMID: 26372026 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2015.1037422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Health literacy is the degree to which individuals can obtain, process, understand, and communicate about health-related information needed to make informed health decisions and is an important factor in patient health outcomes and resulting health care costs. Because of its importance across many areas of health, specific attention has been given to studying and measuring health literacy in recent years; however, the field lacks consensus on how health literacy should be defined and measured. As a result, numerous definitions and measures of health literacy exist. This fragmentation and inconsistency creates a barrier to conceptualizing, measuring, and understanding health literacy across health domains and fields. A directed literature search reveals a substantial body of work on health literacy; however, findings from studies often emphasize health literacy within specific health domains, populations, contexts, and languages, which makes the comparison of findings across studies difficult. While there is recognition that the measurement of health literacy should be improved, it is important to take into consideration what can be gained from a general health literacy focus and how this could be applied across domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Mackert
- a Stan Richards School of Advertising and Public Relations , University of Texas at Austin
- b Center for Health Communication , University of Texas at Austin
- c School of Public Health , University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | - Sara Champlin
- a Stan Richards School of Advertising and Public Relations , University of Texas at Austin
| | - Zhaohui Su
- a Stan Richards School of Advertising and Public Relations , University of Texas at Austin
| | - Marie Guadagno
- a Stan Richards School of Advertising and Public Relations , University of Texas at Austin
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12
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Yin HS, Dreyer BP, Ugboaja DC, Sanchez DC, Paul IM, Moreira HA, Rodriguez L, Mendelsohn AL. Unit of measurement used and parent medication dosing errors. Pediatrics 2014; 134:e354-61. [PMID: 25022742 PMCID: PMC4187234 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2014-0395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Adopting the milliliter as the preferred unit of measurement has been suggested as a strategy to improve the clarity of medication instructions; teaspoon and tablespoon units may inadvertently endorse nonstandard kitchen spoon use. We examined the association between unit used and parent medication errors and whether nonstandard instruments mediate this relationship. METHODS Cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a larger study of provider communication and medication errors. English- or Spanish-speaking parents (n = 287) whose children were prescribed liquid medications in 2 emergency departments were enrolled. Medication error defined as: error in knowledge of prescribed dose, error in observed dose measurement (compared to intended or prescribed dose); >20% deviation threshold for error. Multiple logistic regression performed adjusting for parent age, language, country, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, education, health literacy (Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults); child age, chronic disease; site. RESULTS Medication errors were common: 39.4% of parents made an error in measurement of the intended dose, 41.1% made an error in the prescribed dose. Furthermore, 16.7% used a nonstandard instrument. Compared with parents who used milliliter-only, parents who used teaspoon or tablespoon units had twice the odds of making an error with the intended (42.5% vs 27.6%, P = .02; adjusted odds ratio=2.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-4.4) and prescribed (45.1% vs 31.4%, P = .04; adjusted odds ratio=1.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-3.5) dose; associations greater for parents with low health literacy and non-English speakers. Nonstandard instrument use partially mediated teaspoon and tablespoon-associated measurement errors. CONCLUSIONS Findings support a milliliter-only standard to reduce medication errors.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. Shonna Yin
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine and Bellevue Hospital Center, New York, New York
| | - Benard P. Dreyer
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine and Bellevue Hospital Center, New York, New York
| | - Donna C. Ugboaja
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine and Bellevue Hospital Center, New York, New York
| | - Dayana C. Sanchez
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine and Bellevue Hospital Center, New York, New York
| | - Ian M. Paul
- Department of Pediatrics, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania; and
| | - Hannah A. Moreira
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine and Bellevue Hospital Center, New York, New York
| | - Luis Rodriguez
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine and Woodhull Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Alan L. Mendelsohn
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine and Bellevue Hospital Center, New York, New York
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Fry-Bowers EK, Maliski S, Lewis MA, Macabasco-O'Connell A, DiMatteo R. The association of health literacy, social support, self-efficacy and interpersonal interactions with health care providers in low-income Latina mothers. J Pediatr Nurs 2014; 29:309-20. [PMID: 24503164 PMCID: PMC4062609 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2014.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2013] [Revised: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We explored relationships between maternal health literacy (HL), communicative self-efficacy (SE), social support (SS) and maternal perception of interactions with health care providers (HCPs). METHODS Using a cross-sectional, correlational design, we assessed sociodemographic characteristics, maternal HL, social support, communicative self-efficacy, and interpersonal interactions with HCPs among 124 low-income Latina mothers of young children. RESULTS Informal SS significantly predicted maternal SE in interactions. SE predicted maternal perception of a HCP's ability to "elicit and respond to her concerns." DISCUSSION Interventions to improve maternal self-efficacy in interacting with HCPs among low health literate Latina mothers may positively impact pediatric health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen K Fry-Bowers
- CHOC Children's Hospital, Orange, CA; Vulnerable Populations/Health Disparities, NIH/NINR T32 NR007077, UCLA School of Nursing, Los Angeles, CA.
| | | | | | | | - Robin DiMatteo
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, CA
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Zhang NJ, Terry A, McHorney CA. Impact of health literacy on medication adherence: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Pharmacother 2014; 48:741-51. [PMID: 24619949 DOI: 10.1177/1060028014526562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically review the literature and estimate the effect size of the relationship between health literacy and medication adherence through meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES Databases searched included Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL; 1982-2013), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (IPA; 1970-2013), MEDLINE OVID (1966-2013), PubMed (1966-2013), PsycInfo (1966-2013), and Web of Science (1966-2013). STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION Inclusion criteria were as follows: English language; published through May 1, 2013; medication adherence as the outcome variable; use of validated measures of health literacy and medication adherence; availability of a direct (not mediating) relationship between health literacy and medication adherence; and identifiable effect size and statistical significance of the relationship. Exclusion criteria were as follows: duplicated results, irrelevant results, conference abstracts, proceeding papers, books, dissertations, reviews, editorial letters, continuing education units, or book reviews. Data included author, publication year, disease area, sample size, sampling method, location, study design, effect size of the relationship between health literacy and medication adherence, and measures of health literacy and medication adherence. DATA SYNTHESIS There is a small statistically significant and positive association between health literacy and medication adherence. In the conservative results, the unweighted and weighted correlation coefficients were 0.081 and 0.056 with P values <0.001. In the less conservative results, the unweighted and weighted correlation coefficients were 0.088 and 0.072. CONCLUSIONS The relationship between health literacy and medication adherence is statistically significant but weak. It is plausible that health literacy has a mediator relationship with other adherence determinants. Future research should explore such relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Jackie Zhang
- College of Health and Public Affairs, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
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15
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Yin HS, Dreyer BP, Moreira HA, van Schaick L, Rodriguez L, Boettger S, Mendelsohn AL. Liquid medication dosing errors in children: role of provider counseling strategies. Acad Pediatr 2014; 14:262-70. [PMID: 24767779 PMCID: PMC4034520 DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2014.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Revised: 12/11/2013] [Accepted: 01/04/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the degree to which recommended provider counseling strategies, including advanced communication techniques and dosing instrument provision, are associated with reductions in parent liquid medication dosing errors. METHODS Cross-sectional analysis of baseline data on provider communication and dosing instrument provision from a study of a health literacy intervention to reduce medication errors. Parents whose children (<9 years) were seen in 2 urban public hospital pediatric emergency departments (EDs) and were prescribed daily dose liquid medications self-reported whether they received counseling about their child's medication, including advanced strategies (teachback, drawings/pictures, demonstration, showback) and receipt of a dosing instrument. The primary dependent variable was observed dosing error (>20% deviation from prescribed). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed, controlling for parent age, language, country, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, education, health literacy (Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults); child age, chronic disease status; and site. RESULTS Of 287 parents, 41.1% made dosing errors. Advanced counseling and instrument provision in the ED were reported by 33.1% and 19.2%, respectively; 15.0% reported both. Advanced counseling and instrument provision in the ED were associated with decreased errors (30.5 vs. 46.4%, P = .01; 21.8 vs. 45.7%, P = .001). In adjusted analyses, ED advanced counseling in combination with instrument provision was associated with a decreased odds of error compared to receiving neither (adjusted odds ratio 0.3; 95% confidence interval 0.1-0.7); advanced counseling alone and instrument alone were not significantly associated with odds of error. CONCLUSIONS Provider use of advanced counseling strategies and dosing instrument provision may be especially effective in reducing errors when used together.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. Shonna Yin
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine and Bellevue Hospital Center, New York, New York
| | - Benard P. Dreyer
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine and Bellevue Hospital Center, New York, New York
| | - Hannah A. Moreira
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine and Bellevue Hospital Center, New York, New York
| | - Linda van Schaick
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine and Bellevue Hospital Center, New York, New York
| | - Luis Rodriguez
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine and Woodhull Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Susanne Boettger
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine and Bellevue Hospital Center, New York, New York
| | - Alan L. Mendelsohn
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine and Bellevue Hospital Center, New York, New York
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Kwon HJ, Ramasamy R, Morgan A. "How often? How much? Where from?" knowledge, attitudes, and practices of mothers and health workers to iron supplementation program for children under five in rural Tamil Nadu, south India. Asia Pac J Public Health 2013; 26:378-89. [PMID: 24357609 DOI: 10.1177/1010539513514435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) affects 70% of under-5 children in India. The primary prevention strategy is regular iron supplementation. Little is known about what helps families adhere to daily iron supplementation. Our study explored the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of mothers and village health workers (VHWs) involved in a community health program in one hill district of Tamil Nadu. We conducted 30 semistructured interviews and 3 group discussions involving mothers, VHWs, and community stakeholders. Knowledge of IDA was widespread, yet no children were receiving the iron supplementation as recommended. The main determinants to adherence included the perception of its need, the ease of access, and the activity of VHWs. Preventive care requiring daily supplements is challenging. Our study suggests that increasing community awareness of mild anemia, simplifying dosage instructions, and further strengthening the supportive environment for VHWs would help in reducing the prevalence of IDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Jin Kwon
- University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Alison Morgan
- University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
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17
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Relationship of health literacy to intentional and unintentional non-adherence of hospital discharge medications. J Gen Intern Med 2012; 27:173-8. [PMID: 21971600 PMCID: PMC3270238 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-011-1886-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2011] [Revised: 08/10/2011] [Accepted: 09/07/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inadequate health literacy is prevalent among seniors and is associated with poor health outcomes. At hospital discharge, medications are frequently changed and patients are informed of these changes via their discharge instructions. OBJECTIVES Explore the association between health literacy and medication discrepancies 48 hours after hospital discharge and determine the causes of discharge medication discrepancies. DESIGN Face-to-face surveys assessing health literacy at hospital discharge using the short form of the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (sTOFHLA). We obtained the medication lists from the written discharge instructions. At 48 hrs post-discharge, we phoned subjects to assess their current medication regimen, any medication discrepancies, and the causes of the discrepancies. PARTICIPANTS Two hundred and fifty-four community-dwelling seniors ≥ 70 years, admitted to acute medicine services for >24 hours at an urban hospital. RESULTS Of 254 seniors [mean age 79.3 yrs, 53.1% female], 142 (56%) had a medication discrepancy between their discharge instructions and their actual home medication use 48 hrs after discharge. Subjects with inadequate and marginal health literacy were significantly more likely to have unintentional non-adherence--meaning the subject did not understand how to take the medication [inadequate health literacy 47.7% vs. marginal 31.8% vs. adequate 20.5% p = 0.002]. Conversely, those with adequate health literacy were significantly more likely to have intentional non-adherence--meaning the subject understood the instructions but chose not to follow them as a reason for the medications discrepancy compared with marginal and inadequate health literacy [adequate 73.3% vs. marginal 11.1% vs. inadequate 15.6%, p < 0.001]. Another common cause of discrepancies was inaccurate discharge instructions (39.3%). CONCLUSION Seniors with adequate health literacy are more inclined to purposefully not adhere to their discharge instructions. Seniors with inadequate health literacy are more likely to err due to misunderstanding their discharge instructions. Together, these results may explain why previous studies have shown a lack of association between health literacy and overall medication discrepancies.
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Chisolm DJ, Hardin DS, McCoy KS, Johnson LD, McAlearney AS, Gardner W. Health literacy and willingness to use online health information by teens with asthma and diabetes. Telemed J E Health 2011; 17:676-82. [PMID: 21943161 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2011.0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study measured health literacy in a population of teens in treatment for asthma or diabetes and tested the association between health literacy and willingness to use online health resources. MATERIALS AND METHODS About 180 patients aged 13-18 years treated for asthma or diabetes in specialty care clinics completed assessments of demographic characteristics, health literacy, and Internet access and use. Teens were provided a resource page listing selected publically available health-related Web sites and asked about perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and intent to use the listed Web sites. The relationship between demographic characteristics, health literacy, and online health information use was tested using chi-squared or Fisher's exact test. Predictors of intent to use resource page Web sites were assessed using bivariate and multivariate ordinal logistic regression. RESULTS About 92% of participants had adequate health literacy. Over 50% of participants had previously searched online for health information. Older age was the only significant predictor of health information search. Most teens (79%) reported intent to use at least one Web site from the resource page at least occasionally within the next 3 months. Higher health literacy (odds ratio [OR]=6.24, p<0.01) and stronger perceived usefulness (OR=1.74, p=0.01) were associated with greater intent for regular use, after controlling for demographic and Internet access variables. CONCLUSIONS Teens with lower health literacy searched online for health information as often as peers with higher literacy, but were less likely to express the intent to use recommended sites. Belief in the usefulness of a Web site is the strongest attitudinal predictor of intended future use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deena J Chisolm
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio 43205, USA.
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