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Parker VL, La Manna A. From Early Trauma to Cardiovascular Risk Among a Nationally Representative Sample of Young Adults. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2024:10775595241277122. [PMID: 39180408 DOI: 10.1177/10775595241277122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the connection between childhood abuse history and cardiovascular health indicators among a nationally representative sample of young adults aged 24-32. Using data from waves three and four of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (n = 4, 164) multivariate logistic regression was employed to investigate childhood trauma (i.e., childhood physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect) as predictors for cardiovascular disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity. Results showed that adults who reported history of sexual abuse were 4.3 times more likely to report diagnosis of cardiovascular disease and those who reported childhood physical abuse at wave three had 1.4 times the odds of reporting high cholesterol diagnosis. Although trauma history is often calculated as a composite, some forms of childhood abuse may have greater impacts on cardiovascular risk than others.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna La Manna
- Center for Public Health Systems Science, George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington University- St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
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Cannizzaro E, Malta G. Occupational Health Literacy Scale development and validation in Italy: a pilot study. Public Health 2024; 236:85-92. [PMID: 39173544 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2024.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to adapt and validate the Occupational Health Literacy Scale (OHLS) for the Italian workforce, assessing its psychometric properties and ensuring its relevance and applicability within this specific cultural setting. STUDY DESIGN Validation process by observational and descriptive study. METHODS Initially, two members of the research team independently translated the original OHLS into Italian. Subsequent comparisons and syntheses of these translations produced a unified Italian document. To ensure translation accuracy, this document was then retranslated back into English. An expert committee with specialized knowledge in occupational safety and health evaluated the retranslations to finalize the Italian version. This version underwent a preliminary test using a pilot group, followed by anonymous administration to a sample of 398 workers. RESULTS The adaptation of the OHLS into Italian demonstrated outstanding psychometric characteristics. The scale exhibited an excellent model fit and strong internal consistency. Furthermore, the factorial structures were congruent with theoretical expectations, underscoring the scale's robust construct validity. CONCLUSIONS The Italian version of the OHLS has been validated as a reliable and effective instrument for quantifying occupational health literacy among Italian workers. This tool's demonstrated validity and reliability suggest its potential for broader application in promoting occupational health awareness and interventions within Italian-speaking populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Cannizzaro
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Childcare, Internal Medicine, and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), Italy.
| | - Ginevra Malta
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Childcare, Internal Medicine, and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), Italy.
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Friedrich J, Rupp M, Feng YS, Sudeck G. Occupational health literacy and work ability: a moderation analysis including interpersonal and organizational factors in healthy organizations. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1243138. [PMID: 38384890 PMCID: PMC10879437 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1243138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Healthy organizations approach to occupational safety and health should holistically include individual, interpersonal, and organizational levels. There is an empirical research gap in considering different levels in organizations for health promotion in the context of maximizing work ability. This study aims to investigate the association of (1) occupational health literacy (on an individual level), (2) health-oriented leadership (interpersonal level), (3) participation possibilities in health, and (4) values of health in companies (both organizational levels) on work ability. Additionally, we examined the potentially moderating role of health-oriented leadership, participation possibilities in health, and values of health between occupational health literacy and work ability. Methods Cross-sectional data were obtained from 828 employers and employees in small and medium-sized enterprises. Self-report measures included occupational health literacy, health-oriented leadership, work ability, participation possibilities in health at work, and values of health in the company. Occupational health literacy comprises two factors: a knowledge-/skill-based approach to occupational health and a willingness/responsibility for occupational health. Participation possibilities in health are measured regarding participatory opportunities and co-creation of health at work. Values of health in the company capture the importance of health in the workplace and the scope for improving employees' health. Data were analyzed using latent regression and latent moderation analyses controlling for age, gender, and educational level. Results Occupational health literacy (knowledge-/skill-based), health-oriented leadership, participation possibilities in health, and values of health in companies showed positive associations with work ability. Health-oriented leadership on an interpersonal level was found to moderate the positive relationship between (knowledge-/skill-based) occupational health literacy and work ability. Participation possibilities in health on an organizational level acted as a moderator on the relationship between both occupational health literacy factors and work ability. Discussion Individual, interpersonal, and organizational factors play important roles in maintaining work ability in healthy organizations. This study highlights the importance of promoting occupational health literacy among employees and leaders, creating a healthy workplace through health-oriented leadership, and providing participatory opportunities for co-creation in health promotion at work. Future research should further explore these factors' roles in different industries and contexts and how they may be addressed effectively in tailored workplace interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Friedrich
- Institute of Sports Science, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität, Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maylin Rupp
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität, Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - You-Shan Feng
- Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Applied Biometry, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Gorden Sudeck
- Institute of Sports Science, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Lindert L, Choi KEA, Pfaff H, Zeike S. Health literacy at work - individual and organizational health literacy, health supporting leadership and employee wellbeing. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:736. [PMID: 37415184 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09766-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Against the backdrop of demographic change and the shortage of skilled workers, employees' psychological wellbeing is of special interest for employers. In previous studies, individual health literacy has already been positively associated with psychological wellbeing. However, in order to improve health literacy, it is essential to take into account both the individual prerequisites and the demands and complexity of the system in which individuals operate. As current studies primarily focus on employees' individual health literacy and as the concept of organizational health literacy, so far, is mainly used in the context of health care institutions, this study investigates on the impact of organizational health literacy and health supporting leadership on the relationship between individual health literacy and employees' psychological wellbeing in a big German company based in the financial sector. METHODS Data of an employee survey that was conducted in a big German company of the financial sector in October 2021 were analyzed by two mediation analyses using the PROCESS macro by Hayes for SPSS. A total of 2555 employees was included in analyses (51.4% male and 48.6% female). RESULTS The relationship between individual health literacy and employees' psychological wellbeing is partially mediated by organizational health literacy, indirect effect ab 0.268 - CI [0.170, 0.378] and by health supporting leadership, indirect effect ab 0.228 - CI [0.137, 0.329]. CONCLUSION Study results provide new indications for planning and evaluating the health strategy of companies. Regarding the psychological wellbeing of employees, practitioners and researchers should focus not only on individual health literacy but also on organizational health literacy and health supporting leadership.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Lindert
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Institute of Medical Sociology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Health Services Research, and Rehabilitation Science, Eupener Str. 129, 50933, Cologne, Germany.
- Center for Health Services Research, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Fehrbelliner Str. 38, 16816, Neuruppin, Germany.
| | - Kyung-Eun Anna Choi
- Center for Health Services Research, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Fehrbelliner Str. 38, 16816, Neuruppin, Germany
- Health Services Research, MIAAI, Danube Private University (DPU) GmbH, Steiner Landstraße 124, 3500 12, Krems‑Stein, Austria
| | - Holger Pfaff
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Institute of Medical Sociology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Health Services Research, and Rehabilitation Science, Eupener Str. 129, 50933, Cologne, Germany
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Friedrich J, Münch AK, Thiel A, Voelter-Mahlknecht S, Sudeck G. Occupational Health Literacy Scale (OHLS): development and validation of a domain-specific measuring instrument. Health Promot Int 2023; 38:7026245. [PMID: 36738454 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daac182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Occupational health literacy (OHL) is a domain-specific approach that can empower people to make health-appropriate decisions in the work environment. OHL comprises the knowledge, skills and willingness of people to access and process health-related information and to apply it in work situations. The aim of this study was to evolve a conceptual model and validate a scale for OHL, that can be used in many sectors in the Western industrial countries, which does not yet exist. After piloting, item selection and alteration were carried out in a pretest with n = 163 working adults in diverse small- and medium-sized enterprises in Germany. The resulting OHL items were validated in a main survey with n = 828 participants working in small- and medium-sized enterprises and among them 47.5% people with migration background. The final 12-item questionnaire had good structural characteristics and is reliable and valid for measuring OHL. Using exploratory structural equation modeling, good fit indices (root mean square error of approximation = 0.063, comparative fit index = 0.940) confirmed a two-factor structure: (i) knowledge and skill-based processing of health information (internal consistency α = 0.88) and (ii) willingness and responsibility for occupational health (α = 0.74). The OHL scale fills the gap regarding domain-specific OHL questionnaires for working adults in diverse sectors in Western industrial countries. The Occupational Health Literacy Scale can be used to identify the needs of employees and companies and then to adapt and evaluate health promotion measures. Further research could include validation and use in other countries and large companies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Friedrich
- Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Institute of Sports Science, Wilhelmstraße 124, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Anne-Kristin Münch
- Medical University of Tübingen, Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Applied Biostatistics, Silcherstraße 5, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ansgar Thiel
- Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Institute of Sports Science, Wilhelmstraße 124, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Susanne Voelter-Mahlknecht
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität, Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Gorden Sudeck
- Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Institute of Sports Science, Wilhelmstraße 124, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
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Lau SSS, Shum ENY, Man JOT, Cheung ETH, Amoah PA, Leung AYM, Dadaczynski K, Okan O. Assessing COVID-19-related health literacy and associated factors among school teachers in Hong Kong, China. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1057782. [PMID: 36568746 PMCID: PMC9769126 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1057782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic developed rapidly, with changing guidelines, misinformation, inaccurate health information and rumors. This situation has highlighted the importance of health literacy, especially among educators. The aims of this study were (i) to assess COVID-19-specific health literacy among school teachers in Hong Kong and (ii) to examine its association with demographic factors, self-endangering work behaviors (i.e., work intensification, work extensification and work quality reduction), secondary burnout symptoms (i.e., exhaustion related to work and psychosomatic complaints), the level of knowledge of COVID-19- or pandemic-related information and the level of confusion about COVID-19-related information. Methods A self-report survey was administered to 366 Hong Kong school teachers from April 2021 to February 2022. COVID-19-specific health literacy was measured using the HLS-COVID-Q22 instrument. Other instruments, including self-endangering work behavior scales (i.e., extensification of work, intensification of work and work quality reduction) and two dimensions of the Burnout Assessment Tool (i.e., psychosomatic complaints and exhaustion) were also used for assessment. Data were analyzed using an independent samples Student's t-test, analysis of variance, correlation analysis and adjusted multilinear regression models. Results The results showed that 50.8% of school teachers had sufficient health literacy, 38.3% had problematic health literacy and 10.9% had inadequate health literacy. The HLS-COVID score did not vary by sex, but varied according to the type of school, the number of working hours per week and the number of students attending the school. Teachers with sufficient health literacy scored significantly lower for two types of self-endangering work behavior-intensification of work (p = 0.003) and work quality reduction (p = 0.007)-than those with insufficient health literacy. After excluding those who had already been vaccinated, respondents with sufficient health literacy felt more positive about COVID-19 vaccination than those with insufficient health literacy (t[180] = 4.168, p < 0.001). In addition, teachers with sufficient health literacy felt more informed (p < 0.001) and less confused (p < 0.001) about COVID-19-related information than those with insufficient health literacy. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that age (β = 0.14, p = 0.011) and the number of teaching hours per week (β = -0.206, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of the HLS-COVID score. Conclusions The findings of this study may serve as a guide for addressing health literacy gaps among school teachers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam S. S. Lau
- Research Centre for Environment and Human Health, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,College of International Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,Multidisciplinary Research Centre, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,Institute of Bioresource and Agriculture, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,*Correspondence: Sam S. S. Lau
| | - Eric N. Y. Shum
- Research Centre for Environment and Human Health, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jackie O. T. Man
- Research Centre for Environment and Human Health, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,Multidisciplinary Research Centre, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ethan T. H. Cheung
- Research Centre for Environment and Human Health, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,Multidisciplinary Research Centre, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Padmore Adusei Amoah
- Department of Applied Psychology, School of Graduate Studies, Institute of Policy Studies, Lingnan University, Tuen Mun, China
| | - Angela Y. M. Leung
- School of Nursing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kevin Dadaczynski
- Public Health Centre Fulda, Fulda University of Applied Sciences, Fulda, Germany,Center for Applied Health Science, Leuphana University Lueneburg, Lueneburg, Germany
| | - Orkan Okan
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
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Wang Y, Wen X, Liang W, Lin X. Capital endowment, health information literacy and healthy dietary behaviors: Evidence from a survey of Chinese rural residents. Food Qual Prefer 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2022.104766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Lau SSS, Shum ENY, Man JOT, Cheung ETH, Amoah PA, Leung AYM, Dadaczynski K, Okan O. COVID-19-Related Health Literacy of School Leaders in Hong Kong: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12790. [PMID: 36232086 PMCID: PMC9566044 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
To date, we know little about COVID-19-related health literacy among school leaders, particularly in East Asia. The present study aimed to assess the level of COVID-19-related health literacy and associated factors (vaccine hesitancy, self-endangering behaviour, and work satisfaction) among school leaders in Hong Kong. A cross-sectional study of 259 school leaders was carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic between April 2021 and February 2022. COVID-19-related health literacy using HLS-COVID-Q22, three subscales of self-endangering work behaviour scales (i.e., "extensification of work", "intensification of work" and "quality reduction"), and two dimensions of Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT) (i.e., psychosomatic complaints and exhaustion) were used. The study employed independent sample t-test, ANOVA, and multilinear regression models. The findings show that more than half (53.7%) of school leaders had insufficient health literacy. Participants with insufficient health literacy scored significantly higher in the following factors: exhaustion related to work situation (p = 0.029), psychosomatic complaints (p < 0.001), attitude about vaccination (i.e., less agree with vaccination) (p < 0.001), level of informing on COVID-19 related information (i.e., felt less informed) (p < 0.001), and level of confusion about COVID-19-related information (i.e., felt more confused) (p < 0.001). In a linear regression model predicting attitude about coronavirus vaccination, age (β, -0.188, 95% CI, -0.024, -0.005, p = 0.002) and health literacy (β, -0.395, 95% CI, -0.716, -0.361, p < 0.001) were the negative predictors, F(5, 214) = 11.859, p < 0.001. For the linear regression model adjusted for sex and age for predicting health literacy, the model was insignificant. Despite being a highly educated group, this study reveals that one in two Hong Kong school leaders have insufficient health literacy. Inadequate health literacy was strongly associated with a negative attitude about vaccination, low information, and confusion about COVID-19-related information. Additionally, insufficient health literacy was associated with the two secondary symptoms of burnouts. The study highlights an urgent need to develop intervention programmes to promote the COVID-19-specific as well as overall health literacy of the school leaders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam S. S. Lau
- Research Centre for Environment and Human Health, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
- Multidisciplinary Research Centre, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
- College of International Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
- Institute of Bioresource and Agriculture, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Eric N. Y. Shum
- Research Centre for Environment and Human Health, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jackie O. T. Man
- Research Centre for Environment and Human Health, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
- Multidisciplinary Research Centre, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ethan T. H. Cheung
- Research Centre for Environment and Human Health, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
- Multidisciplinary Research Centre, School of Continuing Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Padmore Adusei Amoah
- School of Graduate Studies, Department of Applied Psychology, Institute of Policy Studies, Lingnan University, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Kevin Dadaczynski
- Public Health Centre Fulda, Fulda University of Applied Sciences, 36037 Fulda, Germany
- Center for Applied Health Science, Leuphana University Lueneburg, 21335 Lueneburg, Germany
| | - Orkan Okan
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany
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Lindert L, Kühn L, Kuper P, Choi KE(A. Organizational Health Literacy in the Context of Employee Health: An Expert-Panel-Guided Scoping Review Protocol. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:4381. [PMID: 35410062 PMCID: PMC8998773 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Health literacy (HL) is an interplay of individual and organizational health literacy (OHL). While individual HL has been intensively studied, the importance of OHL has become a greater focus of research attention. The National Action Plan Health Literacy in Germany emphasizes the promotion of HL in all areas of everyday life, including occupation and the workplace. The proposed scoping review aims at identifying and evaluating definitions, empirical studies and instruments on OHL targeting employee recipients. The search will be conducted in two consecutive steps and guided by expert-panel discussions in accordance to the method of Consensus Development Panels. The search will be conducted in Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar according to the methodological framework of Arksey and O'Malley and supplemented by the snowball principle and a hand search. All records will be included that were published until the final search date. To define eligibility criteria, the PCC framework of the Joanna Briggs Institute is used. The scoping review will critically discuss whether a new definition of OHL in the context of employee health is of purpose for future research and practice. Nonetheless, it will provide orientation in the context of employee health, also facing the consequences of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Lindert
- Center for Health Services Research, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, 16816 Neuruppin, Germany; (L.K.); (P.K.); (K.-E.C.)
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Gernert M, Stassen G, Schaller A. Association Between Health Literacy and Work Ability in Employees With Health-Related Risk Factors: A Structural Model. Front Public Health 2022; 10:804390. [PMID: 35252089 PMCID: PMC8894655 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.804390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In workplace health promotion (WHP), health literacy and work ability are considered as outcomes of high interest. Therefore, the question arises as to what extent individual health literacy skills have an impact on work ability alongside sociodemographic influences. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to examine the associations between a structural model of health literacy as well as sociodemographic context factors and the work ability among employees with health-related risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was based on baseline data of a workplace-related intervention (158 employees with health-related risk factors, 53.8% women, 48 ± 10 years). Health literacy skills were assessed with Lenartz's Questionnaire (measuring "self-perception", "proactive approach to health", "dealing with health information", "self-control", "self-regulation", and "communication and cooperation"). Work ability was measured by the German Short Form of the Work Ability Index (WAI). As sociodemographic context factors, sex, age, and educational level were assessed. The associations were examined using structural equation modeling with partial least squares (SmartPLS 2.0.M3). Common quality criteria were applied and significance level was set at α = 5%. RESULTS Model's reliability, validity, and structure could be validated. Regarding the impact on work ability, "self-regulation" showed a statistically significant direct effect (ß = 0.32, t (∞) = 4.00, p < 0.01, f 2 = 0.09) and "self-perception" had a significant indirect effect (ß = 0.13, t (∞) = 2.53, p < 0.05). The only additional association with work ability was found for age (ß = -0.25, t (∞) = 3.82, p < 0.01, f 2 = 0.04). The WAI score variance was explained to 17.5% by the health literacy skills and to 27.5% considering the additional sociodemographic context factors. CONCLUSION According to the structural model of health literacy, in employees with health-related risk factors, a target group-specific WHP approach could be the encouragement of self-regulation and self-perception. However, additional resources and conditions influencing work ability should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Gernert
- Working Group Physical Activity-Related Prevention Research, Institute of Movement Therapy and Movement-Oriented Prevention and Rehabilitation, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Ehmann AT, Ög E, Rieger MA, Siegel A. Work-Related Health Literacy: A Scoping Review to Clarify the Concept. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9945. [PMID: 34639262 PMCID: PMC8507793 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18199945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The overall aim of this scoping review is to outline the current state of research on health literacy (HL) in the workplace: the primary objective is to clarify the concept of individual work-related HL; the secondary aims are to report on interventions that promote individual work-related HL and to present respective measurement instruments validated to date. A high level of work-related HL could support work ability and in the longer run employability. These topics are becoming increasingly important in current circumstances and in view of ongoing developments (e.g., digitalization and "new" work). A basic understanding and measurement of HL as an individual competence in the context of working life is necessary to develop future interventions to promote HL among people of working age. According to the participants, concept, and context (PCC) framework, we included articles on health literacy (concept) in the target group of people of working age in the workplace (population and context). Key information sources were the databases PubMed, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and PSYNDEX. A total of 30 articles were included. There are several terms for "health literacy in the workplace" (including individual work-related or occupational HL). The conceptualizations of the individual employee's competence covered all aspects of HL ("access", "understand", "appraise", and "apply" health information). The conceptualizations differed, among others, in the covered time horizon (referring either only to employees' current work situation or additionally to their employability in the lifespan) or whether they referred also to the viability of the respective company. Published interventions attempting to promote individual work-related HL seem mostly to be targeted at the promotion of mental HL. A variety of outcomes have been measured in intervention studies, while specific measurement instruments for individual work-related HL seem to be scarce. We recommend the development of country-specific instruments for the assessment of individual work-related health literacy and to measure mental and physical work-related health literacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Achim Siegel
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Wilhelmstr. 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany; (A.T.E.); (E.Ö.); (M.A.R.)
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