Health literacy interventions among patients with chronic diseases: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

The relationship between risk and prevention awareness of infectious diseases and health literacy among prisoners

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the intricate relationship between the health literacy and the awareness of risks and prevention awareness of infection disease among prisoners.

STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 1350 prisoners at an L Type Closed Penal Execution Institution in Turkey, using comprehensive criteria to ensure the inclusion of a diverse participant pool.

METHOD

Data was collected via face-to-face interviews using the "personal information form," "health literacy scale (HLS)," and "communicable diseases risk awareness and protection Scale (CDRAPS)." Both scales exhibited high reliability. Statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation and linear regression, were conducted to evaluate the relationships between the dimensions of these scales.

RESULTS

The study was completed with 1031 prisoners. The participants' mean age was 38.65 with a majority being single (69.2%) and high school graduates (46.3%). A weak positive correlation (r = 0.448, P = 0.000) was observed between the CDRAPS (mean score 135.98 ± 24.00) and the HLS (mean score 89.85 ± 22.30), indicating health literacy explained a 20% variance in communicable diseases risk awareness and prevention. Furthermore, a significant relationship was established considering multiple variables including age, marital and educational status, family health personnel presence, smoking and alcohol use, and comorbidities, showing a combined effect on disease risk awareness and prevention (R2 = 0.203, β = 0.458, P = 0.000).

CONCLUSION

These findings highlight the importance for governments and policy makers to implement preventive and educational programs that are focused on public health, aiming to increase prisoners' health literacy and awareness of infectious diseases.

Effectiveness of a health communication intervention on health literacy in the first year following kidney transplantation - A randomized controlled study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a new health communication intervention focusing on knowledge management skills on health literacy and medication adherence during the first year following kidney transplantation.

METHODS

We randomized 195 patients during 2020-2021, to either intervention- or control group. Questionnaires were completed at baseline and at 12 months post-transplantation with a 12-month response rate of 84%. Health literacy was measured by the multidimensional Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) instrument. Medication adherence was measured by the self-reported questionnaire (BAASIS©).

RESULTS

Results showed that the intervention group had a significant increase in 2 HLQ domains compared to the control group capturing the "ability to appraise health information" Domain 5, (p-value = 0.002) and the "ability to navigate the healthcare system" Domain 7, (p-value <0.04). The effect sizes of SRM were 0.49 (Domain 5) and 0.33 (Domain 7). Medication adherence was comparable in the groups at any measure points.

CONCLUSIONS

This study contributes to important knowledge about how a health communication intervention focusing on knowledge translation using motivational interviewing techniques positively strengthens health literacy in kidney transplant recipients.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Current patient education practice may benefit from focusing on knowledge translation in combination with motivational interview technique.

Role of health literacy profiles in fluid management of individuals receiving haemodialysis: A cross-sectional study

AIMS

To identify health literacy profiles in individuals receiving haemodialysis and to explore how these profiles interact with individuals' self-efficacy, engagement with traditional dietary habits, self-reported fluid restriction and relative-interdialytic weight gain.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study engaging nephrology departments from four hospitals in Guangdong Province, China.

METHODS

A sample of 433 individuals receiving haemodialysis participated between December 2018 and July 2019. We assessed health literacy, self-efficacy and self-reported fluid restriction using the Health Literacy Questionnaire, the Fluid Self-efficacy Scale and the Fluid Adherence Subscale, respectively. Traditional dietary habits, including daily tea drinking, soup drinking and preserved food consumption, were measured using three yes/no questions. Relative-interdialytic weight gain was calculated by dividing the mean interdialytic weight gain (from three recent intervals) by dry weight. Latent profile analysis and structural equation modelling were performed.

RESULTS

Three health literacy profiles were identified: low, moderate and high. Compared to those in the low health literacy profile, individuals in high and moderate health literacy profiles demonstrated an indirect association with reduced relative-interdialytic weight gain. This reduction can be attributed to their higher self-efficacy levels, decreased reliance on dietary habits and higher self-reported fluid restrictions.

CONCLUSIONS

Most participants exhibited either low or moderate levels of health literacy. Improving health literacy has the potential to promote self-efficacy and foster effective fluid restriction, ultimately leading to a reduction in relative-interdialytic weight gain in individuals receiving haemodialysis.

IMPACT

This study reveals heterogeneity in health literacy levels among individuals receiving haemodialysis and illuminates the connections between an individual's entire spectrum of health literacy and fluid management. These findings provide valuable insights for developing person-centred fluid management interventions, especially for individuals with diverse cultural dietary backgrounds within the haemodialysis population.

REPORTING METHOD

We adhered to the STROBE guideline.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

Patients were included only for collecting their data.

Exploring barriers of health literacy on non-communicable disease prevention and care among patients in north wollo zone public hospitals; Northeast, Ethiopia, 2023: application of socio-ecological model

BACKGROUND

Health literacy is the important for the prevention of non-communicable disease to make informed health decisions, and practice healthy and protective behaviours. Therefore, application of socioecological model to this study aimed to identify multilevel factors on health literacy among patients and develop scientific health communication interventional strategies to improve health literacy on non-communicable disease prevention and care.

OBJECTIVE

To explore barriers of health literacy on non-communicable disease prevention and care among patients in north wollo zone public Hospitals, Northeast Ethiopia, 2023.

METHOD

In this study phenomenological study design was conducted from February 5 to 30/2023.We have used purposive sampling technique to select study participants from chronic follow up clinics. Data were collected using in-depth interview and focused group discussion in which audio was recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated to English. Thematic analysis was performed with atlas ti. 7 software.

RESULT

In this study four main themes with seven subthemes were developed. The main themes were factors at the organizational, community, interpersonal, and intra-personal factors. The poor knowledge, lack of enough money for transportation and medication at the hospital were identified as barrier to get early diagnosis and treatment. Some participants explored that they have no any support from family or others. The cultural norms like weeding and funeral ceremonies enforce patients to consume prohibited substances like alcohol and salty foods.

CONCLUSION

In this study different barriers of health literacy were explored. Lack of knowledge, economic problems, lack of social support, poor communication with health care providers, cultural influences, lack of regular health education, lack of access to health care services and poor infrastructure were main barriers of health literacy in patients with NCD. Therefore, we recommended all concerned bodies to work on social and behavioral change communication intervention focusing on awareness creation, supply of drugs and create supportive environment to get accessible and affordable health care service to decrease the impact of non-communicable disease at personal, community and national level.

Improving health literacy using the power of digital communications to achieve better health outcomes for patients and practitioners

Digital communication tools have demonstrated significant potential to improve health literacy which ultimately leads to better health outcomes. In this article, we examine the power of digital communication tools such as mobile health apps, telemedicine and online health information resources to promote health and digital literacy. We outline evidence that digital tools facilitate patient education, self-management and empowerment possibilities. In addition, digital technology is optimising the potential for improved clinical decision-making, treatment options and communication among providers. We also explore the challenges and limitations associated with digital health literacy, including issues related to access, reliability and privacy. We propose leveraging digital communication tools is key to optimising engagement to enhance health literacy across demographics leading to transformation of healthcare delivery and driving better outcomes for all.