1
|
Meldgaard M, Gamborg M, Terkildsen Maindal H. Health literacy in the prenatal phase: a systematic review. SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE 2022; 34:100796. [DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2022.100796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
2
|
Lucca JM, Joseph R, Al-Sunbul Z, Althawab L. Impact of Pharmacophobia and Pharmacophilia on Perception of Medication Use and Self-Medication Behaviors in Saudi Arabia. PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY BULLETIN 2022; 52:85-99. [PMID: 36339273 PMCID: PMC9611794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Pharmacophilia and pharmacophobia have positive and negative effects on treatment outcomes. There exist lacune of information on these phenomena in middle east countries. Therefore the current study aimed to determine the pattern and predictors of Pharmacophilia and pharmacophobia in Saudi Arabia. The study further explored the impact of these phenomena on the perception of medication use and self-medication behaviours. Experimental design An online questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted during March-May 2021. Saudi residents aged 15 years or older were eligible for this study. Individuals' attitude towards medication was assessed using the Drug attitude inventory classification questionnaire, and the general belief of medication was assessed using the Beliefs about Medicine Questionnaire. Observation One-fifth (n = 101; 20%) and two-third (n = 338; 65%) participants were categorized as pharmacophobic and pharmacophilic, respectively. The mean BMQ score was not statistically significant between the pharmacophobic and pharmacophilic groups (mean difference = 0.314; p-value = 0.176). Males were more likely pharmacophilic than females [AOR: 0.34 (95% CI 0.17-0.69)]. Both groups showed nearly a similar pattern of self-medication behaviours. Conclusion There exist a good number of pharmacophobic and pharmacophilic among the Saudi population. A detailed understanding of the attitudes towards treatment among these groups is essential for enhancing treatment outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jisha M Lucca
- Lucca, Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Royes Joseph
- Joseph, Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zainab Al-Sunbul
- Al-sunbul, Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lujain Althawab
- Althawab, Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
The Health Literacy in Pregnancy (HeLP) Program Study Protocol: Development of an Antenatal Care Intervention Using the Ophelia Process. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084449. [PMID: 35457317 PMCID: PMC9030865 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
A pregnant woman needs adequate knowledge, motivation, and skills to access, understand, appraise, and apply health information to make decisions related to the health of herself and her unborn baby. These skills are defined as health literacy: an important factor in relation to the woman’s ability to engage and navigate antenatal care services. Evidence shows variation in levels of health literacy among pregnant women, but more knowledge is needed about how to respond to different health literacy profiles in antenatal care. This paper describes the development protocol for the HeLP program, which aims to investigate pregnant women’s health literacy and co-create health literacy interventions through a broad collaboration between pregnant women, partners, healthcare providers, professionals, and other stakeholders using the Ophelia (Optimising Health Literacy and Access) process. The HeLP program will be provided at two hospitals, which provide maternity care including antenatal care: a tertiary referral hospital (Aarhus University Hospital) and a secondary hospital (the Regional Hospital in Viborg). The Ophelia process includes three process phases with separate objectives, steps, and activities leading to the identification of local strengths, needs and issues, co-design of interventions, and implementation, evaluation, and ongoing improvement. No health literacy intervention using the Ophelia process has yet been developed for antenatal care.
Collapse
|
4
|
Health Literacy in Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18073847. [PMID: 33917631 PMCID: PMC8038834 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Health literacy plays a crucial role during pregnancy, as the mother’s health behavior influences both her own health and that of her child. To the authors’ best knowledge, no comprehensive overview on evidence of the health literacy of pregnant women and its impact on health outcomes during pregnancy exists. Therefore, this review aims to assess health literacy levels in pregnant women, whether health literacy is associated with outcomes during pregnancy and whether effective interventions exist to improve the health literacy of pregnant women. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and EBSCO, resulting in 14 studies. The results show mixed levels of health literacy in pregnant women. Limited health literacy is associated with unhealthy behaviors during pregnancy. Mixed health literacy levels can be attributed to the recruitment site, the number of participants and the measurement tool used. Quality assessment reveals that the quality of the included studies is moderate to good. The review revealed that randomized controlled trials and interventions to improve health literacy in pregnant women are rare or do not exist. This is crucial in the light of the mixed health literacy levels found among pregnant women. Healthcare providers play a key role in this context, as pregnant women with limited health literacy rely on them as sources of health information.
Collapse
|
5
|
Baccolini V, Rosso A, Di Paolo C, Isonne C, Salerno C, Migliara G, Prencipe GP, Massimi A, Marzuillo C, De Vito C, Villari P, Romano F. What is the Prevalence of Low Health Literacy in European Union Member States? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Gen Intern Med 2021; 36:753-761. [PMID: 33403622 PMCID: PMC7947142 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-020-06407-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many studies have shown that low health literacy (HL) is associated with several adverse outcomes. In this study, we systematically reviewed the prevalence of low HL in Europe. METHODS PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were searched. Cross-sectional studies conducted in the European Union (EU), published from 2000, investigating the prevalence of low HL in adults using a reliable tool, were included. Quality was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Inverse-variance random effects methods were used to produce pooled prevalence estimates. A meta-regression analysis was performed to assess the association between low HL and the characteristics of the studies. RESULTS The pooled prevalence of low HL ranged from of 27% (95% CI: 18-38%) to 48% (95% CI: 41-55%), depending on the literacy assessment method applied. Southern, Western, and Eastern EU countries had lower HL compared to northern Europe (β: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.40-1.35; β: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.25-0.93; and β: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.06-1.37, respectively). The assessment method significantly influenced the pooled estimate: compared to word recognition items, using self-reported comprehensions items (β: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.15-1.08), reading or numeracy comprehensions items (β: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.24-1.31), or a mixed method (β: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.01-1.33) found higher rates of low HL. Refugees had the lowest HL (β: 1.59, 95% CI: 0.26-2.92). Finally, lower quality studies reported higher rates of low HL (β: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.06-1.07). DISCUSSION We found that low HL is a public health challenge throughout Europe, where one in every three to almost one in every two Europeans may not be able to understand essential health-related material. Additional research is needed to investigate the underlying causes and to develop remedies. PROSPERO REGISTRATION CRD42019133377.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Baccolini
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy. .,Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - A Rosso
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Local Health Unit Roma 2, Rome, Italy
| | - C Di Paolo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - C Isonne
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - C Salerno
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - G Migliara
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - G P Prencipe
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - A Massimi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - C Marzuillo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - C De Vito
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - P Villari
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - F Romano
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
The impact of health literacy on beliefs about medication in a Dutch medication-using population. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 77:1219-1224. [PMID: 33594447 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-021-03105-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Medication beliefs are likely contingent on aspects of health literacy: knowledge, motivation, and competences to access, understand, appraise, and apply health information. An association between medication beliefs and health literacy is expected as they both influence self-management. The aim of this study was to examine the association between health literacy and the beliefs about overuse and harmful effects of medication and to examine modifying effects of age, gender, and number of medications on this association. METHODS The data were collected using the online "Medication panel" of the Dutch Institute for Rational Use of Medicine. A linear regression model was used to examine the association between health literacy and beliefs about medication and the modifying effects of age, gender, and number of medications on this association. RESULTS Respondents with a lower level of health literacy had more concerns about overuse (β adj.= -.174, p<.001) and harmful (β adj.= -.189, p<.001) effects of medication. This study found no modifying effects. CONCLUSIONS A lower health literacy level is associated with more concerns about the overuse and harmful effects of medication. The results of this study suggest that extra attention should be given to persons with low health literacy level by healthcare professionals, to decrease their concerns about overuse and harmful effects, and improve adherence to self-management behavior.
Collapse
|
7
|
Sianturi EI, Perwitasari DA, Soltief SN, Atiqul Islam M, Geboers B, Taxis K. Health literacy of people living with HIV in a rural area in Indonesia: A cross-sectional study. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2021; 29:127-134. [PMID: 32649018 PMCID: PMC7818436 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Indonesia, the fourth most populated country in the world, has experienced a fivefold increase in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected individuals since 2001. Little is known about health literacy in people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Indonesia. This study aimed to determine the level of health literacy among PLHIV in Indonesia and assess associations between sociodemographic variables, beliefs about medicines, stigma and health literacy. We conducted a cross-sectional study using questionnaires in PLHIV in Papua, Indonesia. The short version of the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (S-TOFHLA), Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ) and HIV stigma scale as well as questions on demographic information were completed by the participants from two hospitals in Papua, Indonesia. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, we assessed the association between sociodemographic variables, stigma, beliefs about medicine and low health literacy. Overall, 331 participants were included, 62.0% female, 67.0% Papuans. A total of 38.5% of participants had low health literacy. PLHIV with multi-dose regimen were less likely to have low health literacy than those taking a fixed-dose combination (OR = 0.51; 95%CI = 0.32-0.82). PLHIV who had social support in medicine-taking were more likely to have low health literacy (OR = 1.78; 95%CI = 1.07-2.97). More awareness about medication overuse (OR = 1.17; 95%CI = 1.06-1.29) and medication harm (OR = 1.10; 95%CI = 1.01-1.20) were also associated with having low health literacy. Overall, interventions targeting health literacy may be a promising strategy to improve self-management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elfride I. Sianturi
- PharmacoTherapy, ‐Epidemiology & ‐Economics (PTEE)Department of PharmacyUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
- Faculty of Mathematics and Natural SciencesUniversity of Cenderawasih PapuaJayapuraPapuaIndonesia
| | | | | | - Md. Atiqul Islam
- PharmacoTherapy, ‐Epidemiology & ‐Economics (PTEE)Department of PharmacyUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
- Department of StatisticsShahjalal University of Science and TechnologySylhetBangladesh
| | - Bas Geboers
- Department of Health SciencesUniversity Medical Center GroningenUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Katja Taxis
- PharmacoTherapy, ‐Epidemiology & ‐Economics (PTEE)Department of PharmacyUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sahin E, Yesilcinar I, Geris R, Pasalak SI, Seven M. The impact of pregnant women's health literacy on their health-promoting lifestyle and teratogenic risk perception. Health Care Women Int 2020; 42:598-610. [PMID: 32744890 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2020.1797036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to determine pregnant women's health literacy level and its effect on health-promoting lifestyle and perception of teratogenic risk related to medicine. The sample of the study consisted of 326 pregnant women. Women with high health literacy have more health-promoting lifestyles and lower teratogenic risk perceptions toward using antidepressants and influenza immunization during pregnancy. This study gives baseline data on health literacy and teratogenic risk perception of medicine usage during pregnancy in Turkish women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eda Sahin
- Obstetric and Gynecologic Nursing Department, Health Science Faculty, Giresun University, Giresun, Turkey
| | - Ilknur Yesilcinar
- Nursing Department, Health School, Batman University, Batman, Turkey
| | | | | | - Memnun Seven
- School of Nursing, Koc University, İstanbul, Turkey.,College of Nursing, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ceulemans M, Lupattelli A, Nordeng H, Odalovic M, Twigg M, Foulon V. Women's Beliefs About Medicines and Adherence to Pharmacotherapy in Pregnancy: Opportunities for Community Pharmacists. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:469-482. [PMID: 30907309 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666190321110420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During pregnancy, women might weigh the benefits of treatment against potential risks to the unborn child. However, non-adherence to necessary treatment can adversely affect both mother and child. To optimize pregnant women's beliefs and medication adherence, community pharmacists are ideally positioned to play an important role in primary care. OBJECTIVE This narrative review aimed to summarize the evidence on 1) pregnant women's beliefs, 2) medication adherence in pregnancy and 3) community pharmacists' counselling during pregnancy. METHODS Three search strategies were used in Medline and Embase to find original studies evaluating women's beliefs, medication adherence and community pharmacists' counselling during pregnancy. All original descriptive and analytic epidemiological studies performed in Europe, North America and Australia, written in English and published from 2000 onwards were included. RESULTS We included 14 studies reporting on women's beliefs, 11 studies on medication adherence and 9 on community pharmacists' counselling during pregnancy. Women are more reluctant to use medicines during pregnancy and tend to overestimate the teratogenic risk of medicines. The risk perception varies with the type of medicine, level of health literacy, education level and occupation. Furthermore, low medication adherence during pregnancy is common. Finally, limited evidence showed that the current community pharmacists' counselling is insufficient. Barriers hindering pharmacists are insufficient knowledge and limited access to reliable information. CONCLUSION Concerns about medication use and non-adherence are widespread among pregnant women. Community pharmacists' counselling during pregnancy is insufficient. Further education, training and research are required to support community pharmacists in fulfilling all the opportunities they have when counselling pregnant women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Ceulemans
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Angela Lupattelli
- PharmacoEpidemiology and Drug Safety Research Group, School of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hedvig Nordeng
- PharmacoEpidemiology and Drug Safety Research Group, School of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marina Odalovic
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Michael Twigg
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR47PQ, United Kingdom
| | - Veerle Foulon
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Catalan-Matamoros D, Peñafiel-Saiz C. The Use of Traditional Media for Public Communication about Medicines: A Systematic Review of Characteristics and Outcomes. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2019; 34:415-423. [PMID: 29252009 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2017.1405485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A systematic review was conducted to identify, appraise, and synthesize data from original research investigating the use of traditional media for public communication about medicines. Databases were searched for studies conducting quantitative or qualitative analyses between the years 2007 and 2017. Data extraction and assessment of the quality of the resulting studies was conducted by one reviewer and checked for accuracy by a second reviewer. A total of 57 studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies were grouped as follows: "newspapers and other print media" (n = 42), "television" (n = 9), and "radio and a combination of media" (n = 6). Content analysis (n = 34) was the most frequent research design, followed by surveys or interviews (n = 14) and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (n = 9). Advertising, public awareness, and health administration were the most common themes, and the medicines most analyzed were vaccines, particularly human papillomavirus (HPV) and influenza. Studies conducted in the United States were the most frequent, followed by other high-income countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom. The lack of consistent studies of the effects of media campaigns stresses the importance of the use of standardized research methodologies. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings for further research are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Catalan-Matamoros
- a Department of Journalism and Communication , University Carlos III of Madrid , Getafe , Spain
- b Research Group of Health Sciences CTS-451 , University of Almeria , Almería , Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cordina M, Hämeen-Anttila K, Lauri J, Tabone S, Enlund H. Health and medication literacy and the desire to participate in pharmacotherapy decision making – comparison of two countries. Res Social Adm Pharm 2018; 14:817-823. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2018.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|
12
|
Widnes SF, Schjøtt J. Risk perception regarding drug use in pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2017; 216:375-378. [PMID: 27988271 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2016.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Revised: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Pregnant women, but also physicians, have unrealistically high perceptions of teratogenic drug effects. This may result in suboptimal treatment of disease and even influence decisions of whether to continue pregnancy. To attain more realistic teratogenic risk perceptions, several factors that influence this issue should be considered, and these are further discussed in this Clinical Opinion. Importantly, drug use may have several benefits, both for the pregnant woman's health and to avoid negative fetal effects of untreated maternal disease. A greater focus on this aspect may act to balance risk perceptions. Furthermore, both pregnant women and physicians need access to drug information sources that provide realistic risk estimates to increase confidence in appropriate drug use and prescribing. We suggest that access to decision support and individually tailored information provided by drug information centers may contribute to this goal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia F Widnes
- Regional Medicines and Pharmacovigilance Centre (RELIS Vest), Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Jan Schjøtt
- Regional Medicines and Pharmacovigilance Centre (RELIS Vest), Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway; Section of Clinical Pharmacology, Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway; Section of Pharmacology, Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Kilfoyle KA, Vitko M, O'Conor R, Bailey SC. Health Literacy and Women's Reproductive Health: A Systematic Review. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2016; 25:1237-1255. [PMID: 27564780 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2016.5810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health literacy is thought to impact women's reproductive health, yet no comprehensive systematic reviews have been conducted on the topic. Our objective was to systematically identify, investigate, and summarize research on the relationship between health literacy and women's reproductive health knowledge, behaviors, and outcomes. METHODS PRISMA guidelines were used to guide this review. English language, peer-reviewed research articles indexed in MEDLINE as of February 2015 were searched, along with study results posted on Clinicaltrials.gov . Articles were included if they (1) described original data-driven research conducted in developed countries, (2) were published in a peer-reviewed journal, (3) measured health literacy using a validated assessment, (4) reported on the relationship between health literacy and reproductive health outcomes, related knowledge, or behaviors, and (5) consisted of a study population that included reproductive age women. RESULTS A total of 34 articles met eligibility criteria and were included in this review. Data were abstracted from articles by two study authors using a standardized form. Abstracted data were then reviewed and summarized in table format. Overall, health literacy was associated with reproductive health knowledge across a spectrum of topics. It was also related to certain health behaviors, such as prenatal vitamin use and breastfeeding. Its relationship with other reproductive behaviors and outcomes remains unclear. CONCLUSIONS Health literacy plays an important role in reproductive knowledge and may impact behaviors and outcomes. While further research is necessary, healthcare providers should utilize health literacy best practices now to promote high-quality care for patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A Kilfoyle
- 1 Division of Women's Primary Health Care, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine , Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Michelle Vitko
- 2 Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina , Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Rachel O'Conor
- 3 Health Literacy and Learning Program, Division of General Internal Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University , Chicago, Illinois
| | - Stacy Cooper Bailey
- 1 Division of Women's Primary Health Care, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine , Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bailey SC, McCormack LA, Rush SR, Paasche-Orlow MK. Highlighting progress in the field of health literacy research. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2014; 19 Suppl 2:5-9. [PMID: 25315578 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2014.946116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stacy Cooper Bailey
- a Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy , UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina , Chapel Hill , North Carolina , USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|