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Ofori Boateng M, Asuman D, Kugbey N, Amoah PA, Agyei-Baffour P, Enemark U. Health literacy and household financial loss on malaria treatment for children under five in Ghana: a patients' perspective. Int Health 2024:ihae022. [PMID: 38563469 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihae022] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inadequate health literacy increases medical costs and leads to poor health outcomes. However, there is a paucity of empirical evidence of such associations in sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigates how the household cost of malaria in children under five in Ghana varies based on different levels of health literacy. METHODS A cross-sectional survey involving 1270 caregivers of children under five was conducted. The survey included health literacy questionnaire and several pieces of sociodemographic and behavioural variables. RESULTS We created seven caregiver health literacy profiles by scoring nine dimensions. The mean total cost for managing malaria among respondents was US$20.29 per episode. The total household cost for caregivers with high health literacy (Profile 1) (US$24.77) was higher than all other profiles, with the lowest cost (US$17.93) among the low health literacy profile (Profile 6). Compared with Profile 4, caregivers with high health literacy (Profile 1) spent more on managing malaria in children, while those with the lowest health literacy (Profile 7) spent less. CONCLUSION The current study presents a snapshot of malaria treatment costs, and argues that low health literacy may lead to increased costs due to possible reinfections from delayed healthcare use. There is a need for longitudinal studies to understand causal relationship between health literacy and household expenses on malaria treatment to inform policy development and interventions. LAY SUMMARY This study explores the impact of caregiver health literacy levels on the cost of managing malaria incidents in children under five in Ghana. High health-literate caregivers incurred the highest total household cost at US$24.77, with US$17.93 incurred by lower health-literate caregivers per malaria episode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Millicent Ofori Boateng
- Faculty of Health, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Bartholins Alle 2, Building 1260, DK 8000 Aarhus C, Aarhus, Denmark
- School of Public Health, Department of Community Health, Ensign Global College, P.O. Box AK 136, Akosombo, Eastern Region, Ghana
| | - Derek Asuman
- Health Economics Unit, Lund University, Medicon Village 301:5, Scheelevagen 2, 223 81, Box 117, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Nuworza Kugbey
- School of Public Health, Department of Community Health, Ensign Global College, P.O. Box AK 136, Akosombo, Eastern Region, Ghana
- Department of General Studies, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Environment and Sustainable Development, PMB, Somanya, Ghana
| | - Padmore Adusei Amoah
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Policy Studies, School of Graduate Studies, Lingnan University, 8 Castle Peak Road, Lingnan, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong
| | - Peter Agyei-Baffour
- Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Private Mail Bage, University Post Office, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Ulrika Enemark
- Faculty of Health, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Bartholins Alle 2, Building 1260, DK 8000 Aarhus C, Aarhus, Denmark
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García-García D, Bazán MJA, Pérez-Rivas FJ. Correlation between Health and eHealth Literacy and a Healthy Lifestyle: A Cross-Sectional Study of Spanish Primary Healthcare Patients. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2980. [PMID: 37998472 PMCID: PMC10671402 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11222980] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health literacy and eHealth literacy play a crucial role in improving a community's ability to take care of themselves, ultimately leading to a reduction in disparities in health. Embracing a healthy way of living is vital in lessening the impact of illnesses and extending one's lifespan. This research delves into the link between the health and eHealth literacy levels of individuals accessing primary healthcare services and investigates how this relates to adopting a health-conscious lifestyle. METHODS The approach involves a cross-sectional examination carried out at a healthcare facility in the Madrid region of Spain, focusing on adult patients who are in need of primary care nursing services. Health and eHealth literacy and a healthy lifestyle were measured using the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ), the eHealth Literacy Questionnaire (eHLQ), and the "PA100" questionnaire, respectively. RESULTS Only some of the dimensions of the HLQ and eHLQ were significantly related to a healthy lifestyle, predominantly with a very low or low relationship. Dimension three of the HLQ and dimension five of the eHLQ acquired more importance and were positioned as positive predictors of a healthy lifestyle. CONCLUSIONS This study helps comprehend the relationship between health and eHealth literacy and a healthy lifestyle, which provides information that contributes to understanding the factors that might have a higher impact on lifestyles.
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Affiliation(s)
- David García-García
- Nursing Primary Health Care Service of Madrid, 28004 Madrid, Spain
- Grupo de Investigación UCM “Salud Pública-Estilos de Vida, Metodología Enfermera y Cuidados en el Entorno Comunitario”, Departamento de Enfermería, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.J.A.B.); (F.J.P.-R.)
| | - María Julia Ajejas Bazán
- Grupo de Investigación UCM “Salud Pública-Estilos de Vida, Metodología Enfermera y Cuidados en el Entorno Comunitario”, Departamento de Enfermería, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.J.A.B.); (F.J.P.-R.)
- Academia Central de la Defensa, Escuela Militar de Sanidad, Ministerio de Defensa, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Pérez-Rivas
- Grupo de Investigación UCM “Salud Pública-Estilos de Vida, Metodología Enfermera y Cuidados en el Entorno Comunitario”, Departamento de Enfermería, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.J.A.B.); (F.J.P.-R.)
- Red de Investigación en Cronicidad, Atención Primaria y Promoción de la Salud—RICAPPS—(RICORS), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (Imas12), 28041 Madrid, Spain
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Arsenović S, Oyewole O, Trajković G, Osborne RH, Wiltshire-Fletcher M, Gazibara T, Kisić Tepavčević D, Pekmezović T, Gazibara T. Linguistic adaptation and psychometric properties of the health literacy questionnaire in serbian language among people with chronic diseases. Chronic Illn 2023; 19:605-624. [PMID: 35581691 DOI: 10.1177/17423953221102630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To translate the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) to Serbian language and examine its psychometric characteristics. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted among 295 people with chronic diseases from the Foča region (Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina). The HLQ was translated according to the translation integrity procedure. Construct validity was tested using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using the maximum likelihood estimator and reliability was estimated using the α and ω coefficients. RESULTS Minor linguistic differences in 17 items were observed between the original and the initial forward translation and were corrected. The parameters of one-factor CFA on domains 3 and 8 fitted well. The parameters of the CFA for domains 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9 were acceptable after modification using residuals' correlation. The α and ω coefficients for all domains were good to excellent (>0.80). CONCLUSION Each domain of the HLQ in Serbian has acceptable construct validity and overall good reliability. This study adds to the growing evidence that the HLQ is a useful tool to provide in-depth multidimensional information on health literacy to improve researchers and policymakers understanding of the health literacy strengths, needs and preferences across cultures and languages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sladjana Arsenović
- Public Health Institute of Republic of Srpska, Regional Center Foča, Foča, Republic of Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
| | - Olufemi Oyewole
- Department of Physiotherapy, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Goran Trajković
- Institute of Medical Statistics and Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Richard H Osborne
- Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Centre for Global Health and Equity, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Tatjana Pekmezović
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Epidemiology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tatjana Gazibara
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Epidemiology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Gill S, Zeki R, Kaye S, Zingirlis P, Archer V, Lewandowski A, Creighton G, Shaw C, Bowman J. Health literacy strengths and challenges of people in New South Wales prisons: a cross-sectional survey using the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ). BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1520. [PMID: 37563584 PMCID: PMC10413686 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16464-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health literacy is an important factor for enabling people to manage their health and live long fulfilling lives. People in prison are frequently from marginalised communities, often out of reach of conventional community based health organisations, and have poorer health outcomes. It is essential to understanding the health literacy profiles of people in prison, and its contribution to the well-established health inequities and outcomes of this population. This study aimed to use a multi-dimensional health literacy measurement tool to describe the strengths and challenges of adults incarcerated in NSW prisons. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted for people in prison across 14 publicly operated metropolitan prisons. Data were collected from 471 participants using the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ). Participant characteristics and health conditions were also collected. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Effect sizes (ES) for standardised differences in means were used to describe the magnitude of difference between participant characteristic groups. RESULTS Participants' median age was 38.0 (range 19 - 91) years. Males comprised 81% of the sample, 21% identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, and 53% reported a health problem. People in prison had lower scores for all nine HLQ scales when compared to the general Australian population. Small to medium ES were seen for mean differences between most demographic groups. Compared to males, females had lower scores for several of the HLQ scales including 'having sufficient information to manage health' (ES 0.30 [95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.07, 0.53]), 'ability to actively engage with health care professionals' (ES 0.30 [95% CI 0.06, 0.53]), 'navigating the healthcare system' (ES 0.30 [95% CI 0.06, 0.53]), and, 'ability to find good health information' (ES 0.33 [95% CI 0.10, 0.57]). Differing health literacy scale scores with small to medium ES were found when comparing participants by legal status. Mainly small ES were seen when comparing other participant characteristic groups. CONCLUSIONS This study provides insights into the health literacy strengths and challenges for people in NSW prisons. These findings highlight the important role health literacy could have in addressing health disparities in this vulnerable population and can inform prison health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Gill
- Research Unit, Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, Sydney, Australia
- Centre for Global Health and Equity, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Reem Zeki
- Research Unit, Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, Sydney, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Sharlene Kaye
- Research Unit, Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, Sydney, Australia
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Panayiota Zingirlis
- Research Unit, Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, Sydney, Australia
- Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Vicki Archer
- Research Unit, Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, Sydney, Australia
| | - Amy Lewandowski
- Research Unit, Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, Sydney, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Grantley Creighton
- Aboriginal Health, Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, Sydney, Australia
| | - Caron Shaw
- Adolescent Health, Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, Sydney, Australia
| | - Julia Bowman
- Research Unit, Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, Sydney, Australia
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Otieku E, Fenny AP, Labi AK, Owusu-Ofori AK, Kurtzhals J, Enemark U. Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding antimicrobial use and resistance among healthcare seekers in two tertiary hospitals in Ghana: a quasi-experimental study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e065233. [PMID: 36813487 PMCID: PMC9950892 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate knowledge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), to study how the judgement of health value (HVJ) and economic value (EVJ) affects antibiotic use, and to understand if access to information on AMR implications may influence perceived AMR mitigation strategies. DESIGN A quasi-experimental study with interviews performed before and after an intervention where hospital staff collected data and provided one group of participants with information about the health and economic implications of antibiotic use and resistance compared with a control group not receiving the intervention. SETTING Korle-Bu and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospitals, Ghana. PARTICIPANTS Adult patients aged 18 years and older seeking outpatient care. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We measured three outcomes: (1) level of knowledge of the health and economic implications of AMR; (2) HVJ and EVJ behaviours influencing antibiotic use and (3) differences in perceived AMR mitigation strategy between participants exposed and not exposed to the intervention. RESULTS Most participants had a general knowledge of the health and economic implications of antibiotic use and AMR. Nonetheless, a sizeable proportion disagreed or disagreed to some extent that AMR may lead to reduced productivity/indirect costs (71% (95% CI 66% to 76%)), increased provider costs (87% (95% CI 84% to 91%)) and costs for carers of AMR patients/societal costs (59% (95% CI 53% to 64%)). Both HVJ-driven and EVJ-driven behaviours influenced antibiotic use, but the latter was a better predictor (reliability coefficient >0.87). Compared with the unexposed group, participants exposed to the intervention were more likely to recommend restrictive access to antibiotics (p<0.01) and pay slightly more for a health treatment strategy to reduce their risk of AMR (p<0.01). CONCLUSION There is a knowledge gap about antibiotic use and the implications of AMR. Access to AMR information at the point of care could be a successful way to mitigate the prevalence and implications of AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evans Otieku
- Economics Division, Institute of Statistical, Social, and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ama Pokuaa Fenny
- Economics Division, Institute of Statistical, Social, and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Appiah-Koran Labi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Alex Kwame Owusu-Ofori
- Laboratory Services Directorate, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Jørgen Kurtzhals
- ISIM, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Kobenhavn, Denmark
| | - Ulrika Enemark
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Passi R, Kaur M, Lakshmi PVM, Cheng C, Hawkins M, Osborne RH. Health literacy strengths and challenges among residents of a resource-poor village in rural India: Epidemiological and cluster analyses. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001595. [PMID: 36963029 PMCID: PMC10022012 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Cluster analysis can complement and extend the information learned through epidemiological analysis. The aim of this study was to determine the relative merits of these two data analysis methods for describing the multidimensional health literacy strengths and challenges in a resource poor rural community in northern India. A cross-sectional survey (N = 510) using the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) was undertaken. Descriptive epidemiology included mean scores and effect sizes among sociodemographic characteristics. Cluster analysis was based on the nine HLQ scales to determine different health literacy profiles within the population. Participants reported highest mean scores for Scale 4. Social support for health (2.88) and Scale 6. Ability to actively engage with healthcare professionals (3.66). Lower scores were reported for Scale 3. Actively managing my health (1.81) and Scale 8. Ability to find good health information (2.65). Younger people (<35 years) had much higher scores than older people (ES >1.0) for social support. Eight clusters were identified. In Cluster A, educated younger men (mean age 27 years) reported higher scores on all scales except one (Scale 1. Feeling understood and supported by a healthcare professional) and were the cluster with the highest number (43%) of new hypertension diagnoses. In contrast, Cluster H also had young participants (mean age 30 years) but with low education (72% illiterate) who scored lowest across all nine scales. While epidemiological analysis provided overall health literacy scores and associations between health literacy and other characteristics, cluster analysis provided nuanced health literacy profiles with the potential to inform development of solutions tailored to the needs of specific population subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reetu Passi
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Manmeet Kaur
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - P V M Lakshmi
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Christina Cheng
- Centre for Global Health and Equity, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Melanie Hawkins
- Centre for Global Health and Equity, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Richard H Osborne
- Centre for Global Health and Equity, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
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The development and validation of Chinese Health Literacy Scale (CHLS) for older people. Geriatr Nurs 2023; 49:164-169. [PMID: 36565590 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2022.11.020] [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: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We tried to develop a more concise health literacy scale for Chinese older adults. METHODS A draft scale based on the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) was developed, and revised by experts. We conducted a pilot study to test the readability and establish a standard inquiry method within 10 residents. We tested the validity and internal consistency using a field test with 3,739 participants. RESULTS Overall standardized Cronbach's α of Chinese Health Literacy Scale (CHLS) was 0.86 and that of each dimension ranged from 0.69 to 0.81. Nearly all dimensions had satisfactory factor loadings (0.33-0.98). The correlation coefficient between the score of each item and its dimension ranged from 0.59 to 0.92. CONCLUSIONS The performance of CHLS was almost the same as the HLQ but more concise. It might play a role in reflecting the health literacy of older adults in China and further promoting their health.
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Elsworth GR, Nolte S, Cheng C, Hawkins M, Osborne RH. Modelling variance in the multidimensional Health Literacy Questionnaire: Does a General Health Literacy factor account for observed interscale correlations? SAGE Open Med 2022; 10:20503121221124771. [PMID: 36172568 PMCID: PMC9511310 DOI: 10.1177/20503121221124771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Self-report measures of health literacy frequently encompass a group of conceptually distinct but related domains scored as either a single scale or separately for each domain. Psychometric studies of the 44-item Health Literacy Questionnaire, scored as nine separate scales, typically report the results of correlated factors confirmatory factor analyses as validity evidence. However, some scales are quite strongly correlated, raising the question of whether there is sufficient discriminant validity to warrant separate scoring. This psychometric study aims to contrast the results of fitting higher-order and bifactor models as alternative options to illuminate the issue. Methods Correlated factors, higher-order and bifactor confirmatory factor analysis models were fitted to an Australian sample of responses to the Health Literacy Questionnaire (N = 813) using Bayesian confirmatory factor analysis methods. Results All models representing a nine-factor structure for the Health Literacy Questionnaire fitted well. The correlated factors model replicated previous findings, showing inter-factor correlations between 0.19 and 0.93. A higher-order model showed relatively high loadings of all nine first-order factors on the second-order factor with particularly high loadings (⩾0.97) for three. Two bifactor models showed that the majority of Health Literacy Questionnaire items were multifactorial, each containing systematic variance from both a General Health Literacy factor and a domain-specific factor. Seven items from four scales were identified as strongly associated with the General Health Literacy factor, with item content suggesting that this factor indexes a broad sense of agency and efficacy in interacting with health-related information and healthcare providers. Conclusion Contrasting correlated factors, higher-order and bifactor models fitted to the Health Literacy Questionnaire suggest that constituent items in self-report health literacy questionnaires might be anticipated to represent at least two sources of reliable and substantive common factor variance: variance associated with General Health Literacy and variance associated with a more specific domain, suggesting that items may be 'irreducibly' heterogeneous. Implications for test development and validation practice are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald R Elsworth
- Centre for Global Health and Equity, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
- Gerald R Elsworth, Centre for Global Health and Equity, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia.
| | - Sandra Nolte
- Centre for Global Health and Equity, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
- Medical Clinic, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christina Cheng
- Centre for Global Health and Equity, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
| | - Melanie Hawkins
- Centre for Global Health and Equity, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
| | - Richard H Osborne
- Centre for Global Health and Equity, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
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García-García D, Pérez-Rivas FJ. Health Literacy and Its Sociodemographic Predictors: A Cross-Sectional Study of a Population in Madrid (Spain). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11815. [PMID: 36142082 PMCID: PMC9517037 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health literacy enhances a population's self-care capacity and helps to reduce health inequalities. This work examines the health literacy of a population attending primary care services and explores its relationship with sociodemographic factors. METHODS This cross-sectional study, conducted at a healthcare center in the Madrid region (Spain), involved adult patients requiring primary care nursing services. One hundred and sixty-six participants were recruited via systematic random sampling. Health literacy was measured using the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ). RESULTS The studied population showed higher health literacy scores for literacy dimensions 1 (feeling understood and supported by healthcare providers) and 4 (social support for health); the lowest scores were recorded for dimensions 5 (appraisal of health information) and 8 (ability to find good health information). People with a better perceived health status showed a higher level of health literacy. People over 65 years of age, those with an incomplete secondary education, and those who were unemployed returned lower scores for several literacy dimensions. CONCLUSIONS The results contribute to our understanding of the factors that influence health literacy. Identifying the areas in which patients show the poorest health literacy may help us comprehend their needs and better support them.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francisco Javier Pérez-Rivas
- Grupo de Investigación UCM “Salud Pública-Estilos de Vida, Metodología Enfermera y Cuidados en el Entorno Comunitario”, Departamento de Enfermería, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Red de Investigación en Cronicidad, Atención Primaria y Promoción de la Salud—RICAPPS—(RICORS), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), 28041 Madrid, Spain
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10
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Cheng C, Gearon E, Hawkins M, McPhee C, Hanna L, Batterham R, Osborne RH. Digital Health Literacy as a Predictor of Awareness, Engagement, and Use of a National Web-Based Personal Health Record: Population-Based Survey Study. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e35772. [PMID: 36112404 PMCID: PMC9526109 DOI: 10.2196/35772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Web-based personal health records (PHRs) have the potential to improve the quality, accuracy, and timeliness of health care. However, the international uptake of web-based PHRs has been slow. Populations experiencing disadvantages are less likely to use web-based PHRs, potentially widening health inequities within and among countries.
Objective
With limited understanding of the predictors of community uptake and use of web-based PHR, the aim of this study was to identify the predictors of awareness, engagement, and use of the Australian national web-based PHR, My Health Record (MyHR).
Methods
A population-based survey of adult participants residing in regional Victoria, Australia, was conducted in 2018 using telephone interviews. Logistic regression, adjusted for age, was used to assess the relationship among digital health literacy, health literacy, and demographic characteristics, and the 3 dependent variables of MyHR: awareness, engagement, and use. Digital health literacy and health literacy were measured using multidimensional tools, using all 7 scales of the eHealth Literacy Questionnaire and 4 out of the 9 scales of the Health Literacy Questionnaire.
Results
A total of 998 responses were analyzed. Many elements of digital health literacy were strongly associated with MyHR awareness, engagement, and use. A 1-unit increase in each of the 7 eHealth Literacy Questionnaire scales was associated with a 2- to 4-fold increase in the odds of using MyHR: using technology to process health information (odds ratio [OR] 4.14, 95% CI 2.34-7.31), understanding of health concepts and language (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.08-4.69), ability to actively engage with digital services (OR 4.44, 95% CI 2.55-7.75), feel safe and in control (OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.43-3.88), motivated to engage with digital services (OR 4.24, 95% CI 2.36-7.61), access to digital services that work (OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.32-4.69), and digital services that suit individual needs (OR 3.48, 95% CI 1.97-6.15). The Health Literacy Questionnaire scales of health care support, actively managing health, and social support were also associated with a 1- to 2-fold increase in the odds of using MyHR. Using the internet to search for health information was another strong predictor; however, older people and those with less education were less likely to use MyHR.
Conclusions
This study revealed strong and consistent patterns of association between digital health literacy and the use of a web-based PHR. The results indicate potential actions for promoting PHR uptake, including improving digital technology and skill experiences that may improve digital health literacy and willingness to engage in web-based PHR. Uptake may also be improved through more responsive digital services, strengthened health care, and better social support. A holistic approach, including targeted solutions, is needed to ensure that web-based PHR can realize its full potential to help reduce health inequities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Cheng
- Centre for Global Health and Equity, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Australia
| | - Emma Gearon
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Melanie Hawkins
- Centre for Global Health and Equity, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Australia
| | | | - Lisa Hanna
- School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Roy Batterham
- Faculty of Public Health, Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Richard H Osborne
- Centre for Global Health and Equity, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Australia
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Park JH, Osborne RH, Kim HJ, Bae SH. Cultural and linguistic adaption and testing of the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) among healthy people in Korea. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271549. [PMID: 35913913 PMCID: PMC9342716 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Backgrounds This study administered the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) among Korean adults to examine its factor structure, reliability, and validity. Methods The HLQ items were translated and culturally adapted to the Korean context. The convenience sampling method was used, and data were collected. The difficulty level, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using diagonal weighted least squares (DWLS) estimator in R, discriminant validity, and composite reliability were performed. Results The easiest scale to obtain a high score was “Scale 4. Social support for health” and the hardest was “Scale 7. Navigating the healthcare system.” Nine one-factor models fitted well. The nine-factor structural equation model fitted the data well. All HLQ scales were homogenous, with composite reliability. Conclusions The Korean version of the HLQ has a strong construct and high composite reliability when applied to Korean adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Hee Park
- College of Nursing Research Institute of Nursing Science, Ajou University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Richard H. Osborne
- Centre for Global Health and Equity, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Hee-Jun Kim
- College of Nursing Research Institute of Nursing Science, Ajou University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Sun Hyoung Bae
- College of Nursing Research Institute of Nursing Science, Ajou University, Suwon, Korea
- * E-mail:
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Tavousi M, Mohammadi S, Sadighi J, Zarei F, Kermani RM, Rostami R, Montazeri A. Measuring health literacy: A systematic review and bibliometric analysis of instruments from 1993 to 2021. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271524. [PMID: 35839272 PMCID: PMC9286266 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been about 30 years since the first health literacy instrument was developed. This study aimed to review all existing instruments to summarize the current knowledge on the development of existing measurement instruments and their possible translation and validation in other languages different from the original languages. METHODS The review was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar on all published papers on health literacy instrument development and psychometric properties in English biomedical journals from 1993 to the end of 2021. RESULTS The findings were summarized and synthesized on several headings, including general instruments, condition specific health literacy instruments (disease & content), population- specific instruments, and electronic health. Overall, 4848 citations were retrieved. After removing duplicates (n = 2336) and non-related papers (n = 2175), 361 studies (162 papers introducing an instrument and 199 papers reporting translation and psychometric properties of an original instrument) were selected for the final review. The original instruments included 39 general health literacy instruments, 90 condition specific (disease or content) health literacy instruments, 22 population- specific instruments, and 11 electronic health literacy instruments. Almost all papers reported reliability and validity, and the findings indicated that most existing health literacy instruments benefit from some relatively good psychometric properties. CONCLUSION This review highlighted that there were more than enough instruments for measuring health literacy. In addition, we found that a number of instruments did not report psychometric properties sufficiently. However, evidence suggest that well developed instruments and those reported adequate measures of validation could be helpful if appropriately selected based on objectives of a given study. Perhaps an authorized institution such as World Health Organization should take responsibility and provide a clear guideline for measuring health literacy as appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Tavousi
- Health Metrics Research Center, ACECR, Iranian Institute for Health Sciences Research, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Mohammadi
- Health Metrics Research Center, ACECR, Iranian Institute for Health Sciences Research, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jila Sadighi
- Health Metrics Research Center, ACECR, Iranian Institute for Health Sciences Research, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Zarei
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Health Education, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramin Mozafari Kermani
- Health Metrics Research Center, ACECR, Iranian Institute for Health Sciences Research, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rahele Rostami
- Health Metrics Research Center, ACECR, Iranian Institute for Health Sciences Research, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Montazeri
- Health Metrics Research Center, ACECR, Iranian Institute for Health Sciences Research, Tehran, Iran
- Faculty of Humanity Sciences, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
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Cultural Adaptation and Validity Testing of the Portuguese Version of the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116465. [PMID: 35682052 PMCID: PMC9180200 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background: Health literacy is considered a determinant of self-management behaviors and health outcomes among people with diabetes. The assessment of health literacy is central to understanding the health needs of a population. This study aimed to adapt the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) to the Portuguese context and to examine the psychometric properties of a population of people with diabetes. Methods: Data were collected using a self-administrated questionnaire from 453 people with diabetes in a specialized diabetes care unit. Analysis included item difficulty level, composite scale reliability, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results: The HLQ showed that the items were easily understood by participants. Composite reliability ranged from 0.74 to 0.83. A nine-factor CFA model was fitted to the 44 items. Given the very restricted model, the fit was quite satisfactory [χ2wlsmv = 2147.3 (df = 866), p = 0.001; CFI = 0.931, TLI = 0.925, RMSEA = 0.057 (90% C.I. 0.054–0.060), and WRMR = 1.528]. Conclusion: The Portuguese version of the HLQ has shown satisfactory psychometric properties across its nine separate scales in people with diabetes. Given the strong observed properties of the HLQ across cultures, languages, and diseases, the HLQ is likely to be a useful tool in a range of Portuguese settings.
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Use of the English Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) with Health Science University Students in Nepal: A Validity Testing Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063241. [PMID: 35328928 PMCID: PMC8953246 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Research evidence shows that health literacy development is a key factor influencing non-communicable diseases care and patient outcomes. Healthcare professionals with strong health literacy skills are essential for providing quality care. We aimed to report the validation testing of the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) among health professional students in Nepal. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 419 health sciences students using the HLQ in Nepal. Validation testing and reporting were conducted using five sources outlined by ‘the 2014 Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing’. The average difficulty was lowest (17.4%) for Scale 4. Social support for health, and highest (51.9%) for Scale 6. Ability to actively engage with healthcare providers. One factor Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) model showed a good fit for Scale 2, Scale 7 and Scale 9 and a reasonable fit for Scale 3 and Scale 4. The restricted nine-factor CFA model showed a satisfactory level of fit. The use of HLQ is seen to be meaningful in Nepal and warrants translation into native Nepali and other dominant local languages with careful consideration of cultural appropriateness using cognitive interviews.
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Hawkins M, Massuger W, Cheng C, Batterham R, Moore GT, Knowles S, Nadarajah RG, Raven L, Osborne RH. Codesign and implementation of an equity-promoting national health literacy programme for people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): a protocol for the application of the Optimising Health Literacy and Access (Ophelia) process. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e045059. [PMID: 34446478 PMCID: PMC8395357 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Non-government organisations (NGOs) often represent people who are underserved or experiencing vulnerability. Crohn's & Colitis Australia (CCA) is aware that many Australians with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are not reached by current communication and engagement activities. The aim of the CCA IBD project is to implement the Optimising Health Literacy and Access (Ophelia) process over 3 years to collaboratively codesign ways to improve delivery of information, services and resources for people with IBD and their carers. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Health literacy and other data for phase 1 will be collected using the Health Literacy Questionnaire, eHealth Literacy Questionnaire, IBD-related questions and qualitative interviews with people with IBD and their carers to ascertain their lived experience. Quantitative data will be analysed using descriptive statistics and cluster analysis. Identified clusters will be combined with qualitative data to develop vignettes (narratives of people's experiences of living with IBD) for stakeholder workshops to generate ideas for useful, accessible and sustainable solutions for identified health literacy needs. Selection and testing of health literacy actions happens in phase 2 and implementation and evaluation in phase 3 (2021-2023). Outcomes of this project include giving voice to people living with IBD, their carers and frontline healthcare practitioners. Genuine codesign informs the development and implementation of what is needed and wanted to improve access to and availability and quality of information and resources that support people to manage their health. There is potential for other NGOs to use the CCA Ophelia model in other health contexts to improve engagement with and understanding of the needs of the people they serve and to reduce health inequalities and improve health outcomes. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval for Ophelia phase 1 has been obtained from the Human Research Ethics Committee of Swinburne University of Technology (Ref: 20202968-4652) and by the South West Sydney Local Health District Research and Ethics Office for the purposes of questionnaire recruitment at Liverpool Hospital (Ref: 20202968-4652). Dissemination of the study findings will be the national codesign process and ownership development across the CCA community and through the genuine engagement of clinicians and relevant managers across Australia. The model and process will be directly distributed to international IBD associations and to other NGOs. It will also be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal, conference presentations and public reports on the CCA and Swinburne University of Technology website.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Hawkins
- Centre for Global Health and Equity, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
| | - Wayne Massuger
- Crohn's and Colitis Australia, Camberwell, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christina Cheng
- Centre for Global Health and Equity, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
| | - Roy Batterham
- Faculty of Public Health, Thammasat University - Rangsit Campus, Khlong Nueng, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Gregory T Moore
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Department of Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Simon Knowles
- Department of Psychological Sciences and Statistics, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ranjit G Nadarajah
- Centre for Global Health and Equity, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
| | - Leanne Raven
- Crohn's and Colitis Australia, Camberwell, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard H Osborne
- Centre for Global Health and Equity, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
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Boateng MA, Agyei-Baffour E, Angel S, Asare O, Prempeh B, Enemark U. Co-creation and prototyping of an intervention focusing on health literacy in management of malaria at community-level in Ghana. RESEARCH INVOLVEMENT AND ENGAGEMENT 2021; 7:55. [PMID: 34353378 PMCID: PMC8340491 DOI: 10.1186/s40900-021-00302-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Collaborating with end-users to develop interventions tailored to fit unique circumstances is proposed as a way to improve relevance and effectiveness of an intervention. This study used a local needs driven approach to develop a health literacy intervention for caregivers in Ghana concerning management of malaria in children under 5 years. METHOD For the period, November 2017-February 2019, we carried out the study using a three-phase framework including: 1) Needs assessment based on data from questionnaires, focus groups, individual interviews and observations, 2) Co-creation of a board game and brochures for health education at Child Welfare Clinics to address needs in health literacy concerning malaria and 3) Development of a prototype of the game, brochures as well as determining feasibility. In addition to the research team, health administrators, community health workers, designers and caregivers contributed to the development of the intervention. FINDINGS The needs assessment contributed to the development of interactive and useful materials including a board game and brochures, to help bridge the gaps in health literacy among caregivers. Co-creation of the materials and prototyping yielded a varying sense of ownership among stakeholders. End-users' engagement and participation in developing the intervention resulted in a high interest and adherence to interventions. However, high attrition rates of health workers and caregivers' inconsistent use of the Child Welfare Clinics challenged sustainability of this intervention. CONCLUSION Co-creation led to an interactive intervention. The interactive nature of the board game and brochures resulted in a better caregiver-health provider relationship and a sense of recognition of a more participatory approach to health delivery. We recommend co-creation as an approach to develop needs-driven interventions in a context like Ghana. Still, a stronger buy-in at the top-level of health management would improve sustainability and reach a larger audience.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eter Agyei-Baffour
- Department of Health Policy, Management and Economics, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Sanne Angel
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ofeibea Asare
- Career Development Centre, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Benjamin Prempeh
- Department of Communication Design, College of Art and Built Environment, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Ulrika Enemark
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Hawkins M, Elsworth GR, Nolte S, Osborne RH. Validity arguments for patient-reported outcomes: justifying the intended interpretation and use of data. J Patient Rep Outcomes 2021; 5:64. [PMID: 34328558 PMCID: PMC8324704 DOI: 10.1186/s41687-021-00332-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Contrary to common usage in the health sciences, the term "valid" refers not to the properties of a measurement instrument but to the extent to which data-derived inferences are appropriate, meaningful, and useful for intended decision making. The aim of this study was to determine how validity testing theory (the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing) and methodology (Kane's argument-based approach to validation) from education and psychology can be applied to validation practices for patient-reported outcomes that are measured by instruments that assess theoretical constructs in health. METHODS The Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) was used as an example of a theory-based self-report assessment for the purposes of this study. Kane's five inferences (scoring, generalisation, extrapolation, theory-based interpretation, and implications) for theoretical constructs were applied to the general interpretive argument for the HLQ. Existing validity evidence for the HLQ was identified and collated (as per the Standards recommendation) through a literature review and mapped to the five inferences. Evaluation of the evidence was not within the scope of this study. RESULTS The general HLQ interpretive argument was built to demonstrate Kane's five inferences (and associated warrants and assumptions) for theoretical constructs, and which connect raw data to the intended interpretation and use of the data. The literature review identified 11 HLQ articles from which 57 sources of validity evidence were extracted and mapped to the general interpretive argument. CONCLUSIONS Kane's five inferences and associated warrants and assumptions were demonstrated in relation to the HLQ. However, the process developed in this study is likely to be suitable for validation planning for other measurement instruments. Systematic and transparent validation planning and the generation (or, as in this study, collation) of relevant validity evidence supports developers and users of PRO instruments to determine the extent to which inferences about data are appropriate, meaningful and useful (i.e., valid) for intended decisions about the health and care of individuals, groups and populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Hawkins
- Swinburne University of Technology, Centre for Global Health and Equity, School of Health Sciences, PO Box 218, Hawthorn, Melbourne, Victoria 3122 Australia
| | - Gerald R. Elsworth
- Swinburne University of Technology, Centre for Global Health and Equity, School of Health Sciences, PO Box 218, Hawthorn, Melbourne, Victoria 3122 Australia
| | - Sandra Nolte
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Medical Department, Division of Psychosomatic Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Richard H. Osborne
- Swinburne University of Technology, Centre for Global Health and Equity, School of Health Sciences, PO Box 218, Hawthorn, Melbourne, Victoria 3122 Australia
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