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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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Chou HF, Wang YF, Chen TL, Gau ML. Development and Validation of a Breastfeeding Health Literacy Scale (BFHLS) for Taiwanese Pregnant Women. J Hum Lact 2024; 40:25-32. [PMID: 38006249 DOI: 10.1177/08903344231211494] [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: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for infants. Health literacy is a critical factor affecting breastfeeding rates. RESEARCH AIMS The aim of this research was to develop and test the Breastfeeding Health Literacy Scale to determine its validity and reliability. METHODS This study featured a cross-sectional telephone survey design. Researchers reviewed the literature and used expert opinions to develop the content-validated 30-item Breastfeeding Health Literacy Scale covering five dimensions. We examined internal consistency, exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis to assess reliability and construct validity. A Taiwanese government organization provided potential participants' contact information. After mailing an invitation letter, researchers phoned all participants to invite participation, obtain oral consent and complete a Breastfeeding Health Literacy Scale and collect demographic data. RESULTS Participants (N = 300) had a mean age of 31.8 (SD = 4.66) years. The item-level content validity index was 0.67 to 1.00 and scale-content validity index was 0.94. After performing exploratory factor analysis, three factors were extracted. Examining content factor analysis for the three factors resulted in χ2/df = 2.05; p < .001; goodness of fit index = 0.90; Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.96; and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.06. Cronbach's alphas on the total scale and the subscales ranged from 0.87 to 0.94. Women with multigravida, breastfeeding information from physicians and nurses, and previous breastfeeding experience had better breastfeeding health literacy. CONCLUSIONS Psychometric analysis demonstrated that the newly developed 20-item Breastfeeding Health Literacy Scale is a valid self-assessment instrument. Improving breastfeeding health literacy during pregnancy could help enable breastfeeding success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsueh-Fen Chou
- Department of Nurse-Midwifery and Women Health, College of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei
| | - Ya-Fen Wang
- Department of Nursing, College of Nursing, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
| | - Tzu-Ling Chen
- Department of Nurse-Midwifery and Women Health, College of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei
| | - Meei-Ling Gau
- Department of Nurse-Midwifery and Women Health, College of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei
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Friedrich J, Münch AK, Thiel A, Voelter-Mahlknecht S, Sudeck G. Occupational resource profiles for an addressee orientation in occupational health management: a segmentation analysis. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1200798. [PMID: 37546445 PMCID: PMC10400086 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1200798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In order to make sustainable decisions in precision prevention and health promotion, it is important to adequately assess people's demands and resources at work. To reach them in an addressee-oriented way, a segmentation of employers and employees based on occupational resources is a promising option. We identified profiles based on personal and perceived organizational resources. Furthermore, we used job demands for profile descriptions to obtain a deeper understanding of the profiles, characterizing people with similar occupational resources. Methods Personal occupational resources (occupational health literacy and self-efficacy) and perceived organizational resources (job decision latitude and participation in health at work) were assessed among employers and employees (n = 828) in small- and medium-sized enterprises in Germany. Job demands, socioeconomic status, and hierarchy levels in the company were used for further profile descriptions. Results A six-profile solution fitted best to the data based on cluster and profile analyses. One profile was characterized by above-average occupational resources, and another profile was characterized by below-average resources. The other four profiles showed that the individual and perceived organizational resources contrasted. Either organizational resources such as job decision latitude existed and personal resources were not highly developed or people had high individual motivation but few possibilities to participate in health at work. People with medium or high job demands as well as people with low socioeconomic status were most frequently in below-average resource profiles. Employers with high hierarchy levels were overrepresented in the above-average profiles with high organizational resources. Discussion Following the segmentation of the addressees, organizations might be supported in identifying needs and areas for prevention and health promotion. Interventions can be optimally developed, tailored, and coordinated through a deeper understanding of job demands and resources. Especially employees with low socioeconomic status and high job demands might profit from an addressee-orientated approach based on resource profiles. For example, employees obtain an overview of their occupational resource profile to recognize the development potential for safe and healthy behavior at work. Follow-up research should be used to examine how this feedback to employers and employees is implemented and how it affects the sustainability of tailored interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Friedrich
- Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, Institute of Sports Science, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Anne-Kristin Münch
- Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Applied Biometry, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ansgar Thiel
- Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, Institute of Sports Science, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Susanne Voelter-Mahlknecht
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität, Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gorden Sudeck
- Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, Institute of Sports Science, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Wang J, Mo C, Sheng Q, Huang Y, Lin D, Liang Y, Zhang N. Association of length of service and job category with occupational health literacy of port employees in Shenzhen, China. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1223. [PMID: 37353781 PMCID: PMC10288714 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15769-7] [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: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health literacy (HL) is associated with health outcomes, but little is known about the occupational HL (OHL) for port employees and its link to the length of service and job category. METHOD A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 3492 port employees from the Occupational Health Survey for Port Employees project, and a special questionnaire was utilized to measure the OHL status. Binary and ordinal logistic regressions were used to estimate the association. RESULT Among the participants, 72.90% had sufficient OHL with a mean score (standard deviation) of 53.10 (7.26). Binary logistic regression results indicated that the association between length of service (33-40 years group Adjusted OR = 1.11; 41-49 years group Adjusted OR = 1.14; ≥50 years group Adjusted OR = 1.19) and job category (longshoremen Adjusted OR = 0.90; driver Adjusted OR = 0.91) with OHL were statistically significant. Ordinal logistic regression results indicated that, for OHL, Adjusted OR was increased in different lengths of service level (33-40 years group, Adjusted OR = 1.50; 41-49 years group, Adjusted OR = 1.75; ≥50 years group, Adjusted OR = 2.19), and the Adjusted OR of skilled workers was 1.60. CONCLUSION Most port participants had sufficient OHL, and the length of service and job category could affect OHL. The effect of the length of service may be more obvious; the length of service can promote the improvement of OHL continuously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinlin Wang
- Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Chunbao Mo
- School of medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiujie Sheng
- Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuehong Huang
- Shenzhen Chiwan Port Development Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Dafeng Lin
- Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuan Liang
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Naixing Zhang
- Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong, China.
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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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Falahati M, Biabani A, Nobarani M, Beatty A, Karimy M. Willingness to Receive a COVID-19 Vaccine in an Iranian Population: Assessment of Attitudes, Perceived Benefits, and Barriers. Med J Islam Repub Iran 2022; 36:132. [PMID: 36475094 PMCID: PMC9718217 DOI: 10.47176/mjiri.36.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: To significantly reduce the disease and mortality from the novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), a safe and effective vaccine must be widely delivered to the community. However, the availability of a vaccine for COVID-19 does not ensure that individuals will want to be vaccinated. The present study investigated the attitudes, perceived barriers, and benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine, as well as vaccination intentions, among a sample of Iranian adults. Methods: Demographic data were categorized in this study based on whether or not participants received the vaccine. Drawn from a multistage sampling protocol in 2021, a descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 1350 adults in Saveh, Iran. A survey with 5 different sections inquired about eligible participants' sociodemographic information, their attitudes, perceived benefits, and barriers, as well as their intentions to get vaccinated for COVID-19. Multiple logistic regression analysis (enter method) was performed to assess factors related to vaccination intent. Results: The mean age of those who intended to receive the COVID-19 vaccine (57.9±19.2) was significantly higher than those who did not intend to receive the vaccine (43.4±16.8) ( p =0.00). Additionally, married individuals were significantly more likely to receive the vaccine than individuals who were single and/or widowed. Additionally, (n=663) substantially more homemakers and retirees received vaccinations than workers and self-employed individuals (n=481) ( p =0.001). Findings revealed that 78% of participants intended to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Multiple unconditional logistic regression analyses showed that age and marital status, as well as the behavioral variables (attitude odds ratio [OR]=1.73, benefits OR=1.78, and perceived Barriers OR=0.52), had a significant relationship with vaccination intentions ( p =0.001). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that to increase intentions to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, public health campaigns and interventions should focus on promoting the benefits of the vaccine, improving the attitudes toward the vaccine, as well as reducing the perceived barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Falahati
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran
| | - Azam Biabani
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran
| | - Mohadse Nobarani
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran
| | - Avery Beatty
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Rhode Island, USA
| | - Mahmood Karimy
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran
, Corresponding author:
Mahmood Karimy,
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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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Urstad KH, Andersen MH, Larsen MH, Borge CR, Helseth S, Wahl AK. Definitions and measurement of health literacy in health and medicine research: a systematic review. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056294. [PMID: 35165112 PMCID: PMC8845180 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The way health literacy is understood (conceptualised) should be closely linked to how it is measured (operationalised). This study aimed to gain insights into how health literacy is defined and measured in current health literacy research and to examine the relationship between health literacy definitions and instruments. DESIGN Systematic review in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. DATA SOURCES The MEDLINE, PsycINFO, ERIC and CINAHL databases were searched for articles published during two randomly selected months (March and October) in 2019. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA We included articles with a quantitative design that measured health literacy, were peer-reviewed and original, were published in the English language and included a study population older than 16 years. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Six researchers screened the articles for eligibility and extracted the data independently. All health literacy definitions and instruments were considered in relation to category 1 (describing basic reading and writing skills, disease-specific knowledge and practical skills) and category 2 (social health literacy competence and the ability to interpret and critically assess health information). The categories were inspired by Nutbeam's descriptions of the different health literacy levels. RESULTS 120 articles were included in the review: 60 within public health and 60 within clinical health. The majority of the articles (n=77) used instruments from category 1. In total, 79 of the studies provided a health literacy definition; of these, 71 were in category 2 and 8 were in category 1. In almost half of the studies (n=38), health literacy was defined in a broad perspective (category 2) but measured with a more narrow focus (category 1). CONCLUSION Due to the high degree of inconsistency between health literacy definitions and instruments in current health literacy research, there is a risk of missing important information about health literacy considered be important to the initial understanding of the concept recognised in the studies. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42020179699.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Hjorthaug Urstad
- Department of Quality and Health Technology, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
- Faculty of Health Sciences, VID Specialized University, Oslo, Akershus, Norway
| | - Marit Helen Andersen
- Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Transplantation Medicine, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marie Hamilton Larsen
- Department of Behavioural Sciences in Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Lovisenberg Diaconal University College, Oslo, Akershus, Norway
| | - Christine Råheim Borge
- Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Lovisenberg Diakonale Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sølvi Helseth
- Faculty of Health Scienes, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Astrid Klopstad Wahl
- Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Transplantation Medicine, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
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Pathak KP, Sanyam SD, Gaire T, Basnet PB, Sah SK, Basnet BB, Pathak S, Ingman S, Hoffman JJ. Perception and Challenges of Preventive Measures of COVID-19 Among Nepalese Frontline Health Professionals: An Unexplored Realism. Front Public Health 2022; 9:747070. [PMID: 35127610 PMCID: PMC8812484 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.747070] [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: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A new coronavirus causes COVID-19, a developing respiratory illness. Unfortunately, there is little information assessing healthcare workers' understanding of technology and preventative strategies during the Nepalese epidemic. Researchers from other subspecialties uncovered some mythical thoughts. As a result, we decided to put it to the test with healthcare personnel on the front lines. The research also looked at the problems experienced by frontline health care personnel (HCP) because of the COVID-19 strategic shift in work policy. Methods Nepalese healthcare workers participated in web-based cross-sectional research. A pre-tested, structured questionnaire utilizing a Google form was used to get self-informed, digitally typed consent, and examine critical perspectives and problems with current technology and COVID-19 prevention efforts. Results In total, 243 participants with mean age of 29.66 ± 7.61 years agreed to participate and were doctors (n = 27), health assistants (n = 2), medical intern doctors (n = 1), paramedical (n = 139), pharmacy (n = 1), and paramedical interns (n = 73) in this study. The calculated mean percentage score of knowledge on instruments and tools was 73.64 (SD ± 10.43) %, and perception on COVID-19 transmission and control was 70.06 (SD ± 18.30) %. At various levels, frontline health workers faced significant challenges, including the adoption of digital health technology. Conclusion Frontline HCPs are anticipated to have updated knowledge from what the study has outlined. It is recommended to follow national guidelines. Policies should be put in place so that every frontline worker can demonstrate high standards in prevention, control, and equipment use that do not create misinformation among HCPs. Throughout, support for digital health materials and disease control methods for HCPs is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Prasad Pathak
- Department of Social Sciences, Nepal Open University, Lalitpur, Nepal
- Center for the Study of Aging, Department of Preventive Medicine, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sandip Das Sanyam
- Sagarmatha Choudhary Eye Hospital, Lahan, Nepal
- *Correspondence: Sandip Das Sanyam
| | - Tara Gaire
- Innovative College of Health Science, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | | | | | - Sujana Pathak
- National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS) Ophthalmic, Bir Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Stan Ingman
- University of North Texas, Denton, TX, United States
| | - Jeremy J. Hoffman
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Harris MA, Colvin KF, Lindner NE, Manganello JA, Mohamed L, Shaw AV. Development and Initial Validation of the Refugee Health Literacy Assessment Tool (RHLAT). AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH EDUCATION 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/19325037.2021.1978908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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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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Abstract
BACKGROUND The growing concern of low health literacy in populations combined with the interest of companies to develop cultures of health and the emerging interest in the workplace as an arena for improving health literacy is increasingly acknowledged. This study aimed to explore how companies currently apply the concept of health literacy as part of their health efforts in the work sphere. METHODS A systematic literature review was conducted based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis) guidelines. The search was performed in the databases PubMed, Science Direct, and Directory of Open Access Journals from July 2019 to August 2019 and included the search terms "health literacy," "health literate," and "health competence" combined with the search terms "company/companies," "corporation/corporates," "workplace," "business," and "organization." Studies were eligible for inclusion if they (1) were written in English or German, (2) were concerned with employers/employees, companies, corporations, or organizations, (3) dealt with health literacy in particular, and (4) were formatted as journal articles, systematic literature reviews, or book chapters. KEY RESULTS The search identified 20 articles. A thematic analysis resulted in 5 clusters with 2 to 3 sub-themes illustrating the characteristics of how corporations apply health literacy. The clusters entailed the conceptualization of health literacy, its measurement, and the application of health literacy in strategies, interventions, and training. DISCUSSION The literature review reveals that the application of health literacy by companies is in its infancy. More research and practical experience are warranted on how companies can mobilize and facilitate a health literate workforce. [HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice. 2021;5(3):e218-e225.] Plain Language Summary: This literature study explored the role of advancing health literacy in companies. Five aspects were identified as important, including the understanding of the concept, its measurement, and its integration into strategies, interventions, and training. The involvement of management and the staff was crucial for success.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristine Sørensen
- Address correspondence to Kristine Sørensen, PhD, Global Health Literacy Academy, Viengevej 100, 8240 Risskov, Denmark;
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Suthakorn W, Songkham W, Tantranont K, Srisuphan W, Sakarinkhul P, Dhatsuwan J. Scale Development and Validation to Measure Occupational Health Literacy Among Thai Informal Workers. Saf Health Work 2020; 11:526-532. [PMID: 33329920 PMCID: PMC7728703 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2020.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The high incidence of work-related diseases and injuries among day-laborers and workers with no legal contracts (informal workers) has received the attention of the Thai authorities. Workers' low occupational health literacy (OHL) has been reasoned as one contributing factor. Absence of a valid tool has prevented assessment of informal workers' OHL. The aim of this study was to create a valid and reliable Occupational Health Literacy Scale within the context of Thai working culture (TOHLS-IF). Methods This study used the mixed method approach to develop TOHLS-IF. Questions were generated using in-depth interviews and an extensive review of the literature. Experts' assessment confirmed the content validity of TOHLS-IF. The scales of its psychometric properties were assessed in a sample of 400 informal workers using cluster random sampling. Results The final version of the TOHLS-IF comprises 38 items within 4 dimensions: Ability to Gain Access, Understanding, Evaluation, and Use of occupational health and safety information. Factor analysis identified items explaining 50.22% of the total variance. The final confirmatory analysis confirmed the model estimates were satisfactory for the construct. TOHLS-IF demonstrated a high internal consistency and satisfactory reliability (Cronbach's alpha = .98). Conclusion The TOHLS-IF is a valid and reliable instrument to assess informal workers' OHL. The structural dimensions of this instrument are based on the concept of health literacy and Thai culture. Thai health professionals are encouraged to benefit from this instrument to assess their workers' OHL and apply findings as guidelines for effective occupational health and safety interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weeraporn Suthakorn
- Occupational Health Nursing Graduate Program, Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
| | - Wanpen Songkham
- Occupational Health Nursing Graduate Program, Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
| | - Kunlayanee Tantranont
- Occupational Health Nursing Graduate Program, Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
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Bandari R, Mohammadi Shahboulaghi F, Montazeri A. Development and psychometric evaluation of the healthy lifestyle questionnaire for elderly (heal). Health Qual Life Outcomes 2020; 18:277. [PMID: 32787957 PMCID: PMC7424645 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-020-01529-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study was conducted to design and evaluate the psychometric properties of a questionnaire for assessing the healthy lifestyle among older adults in Iran. METHODS First, items were generated based on a qualitative study, the literature review, and with help received from experts in gerontology and questionnaire design. Then, content validity was carried out. Accordingly, a cross sectional study was conducted to perform factor analysis and known groups comparison in order to examine the construct validity. Internal consistency was measured by the Cronbach's alpha coefficient and the stability of the questionnaire was evaluated by estimating interclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS In total 68 items was generated. Following development process 22 items were removed and a provisional version of the questionnaire with 46 items was subjected to psychometric evaluation. At this stage a sample of 390 elderly people attending the community centers in Tehran, Iran were entered into the study and completed the questionnaire. Most elderly were female (52.8%) and the mean age of participants was 67.97 (SD ± 7.77) years. After performing factor analysis, overall 10 items were removed due to low loading and the questionnaire was reduced to 35 items tapping into eight factors, which explained a total of 57.1% of the variance. In addition, the results obtained from known groups comparison indicated that the questionnaire well differentiated among participants who were differed in self-reported health condition. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient showed excellent internal consistency (alpha = 0.89). The intraclass correlation coefficient also indicated a good stability for the questionnaire (ICC = 0.94). CONCLUSION The healthy lifestyle questionnaire for elderly (Heal) can be used as a simple and an easy-to-use valid and reliable measure in determining healthy life style and the frequency of health-oriented activities among older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razieh Bandari
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Farahnaz Mohammadi Shahboulaghi
- Full Professor of Iranian Research Center on Aging, Nursing Department, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Montazeri
- Mental Health Research Group, Health Metrics Research Centre, Iranian Institute for Health Sciences Research, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Faculty of Humanity Sciences, University of Science & Culture, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
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15
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Rafizadeh R, Heidari Z, Karimy M, Zamani-Alavijeh F, Araban M. Factors affecting breast-feeding practice among a sample of Iranian women: a structural equation modeling approach. Ital J Pediatr 2019; 45:147. [PMID: 31747931 PMCID: PMC6864946 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-019-0724-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Breastfeeding is one of the most sensitive stages in the development of children, having many benefits for the mother and the child. The present study aimed to determine factors associated with breastfeeding intention and behavior in mothers living in Taft County, Iran. Methods In this cross-sectional design, the statistical population consisted of 420 mothers with infants under 1 year of age living in Taft County of Yazd province, Iran. The research data were collected from health records of infants under one in health centers of the county as well as a researcher-made questionnaire including demographic information, knowledge and attitude towards breastfeeding, social support and perceived self-efficacy, and breastfeeding intention and behavior. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) based on AMOS 18 were employed to analyze the relationship between research variables. Results The mean age of mothers was 28.04 ± 6.49 year and the children were 10 ± 6 months. Half of the mothers (50.3%) had cesarean sections and more than half (55.8%) of the children were males. Mothers’ attitude (β = 0.442; 95% CI: 0.284, 0.599), self-efficacy (β = 0.186; 95% CI: 0.047, 0.324) and perceived social support (β = 0.178; 95% CI: 0.035, 0.322) were respectively the strongest predictors of breastfeeding intention. Besides, the breastfeeding intention affected breastfeeding behavior with a high coefficient (0.857; 95% CI: 0.735, 0.979). Conclusions The study provided informative pathways on the association of maternal attitude, social support and self-efficacy with breast feeding behavior. These findings could be useful for designing health education and promotion programs about breast feeding among women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reyhaneh Rafizadeh
- Student Research Committee of School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Zahra Heidari
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.,Cardiac Rehabilitation Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahmood Karimy
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Zamani-Alavijeh
- Department of health education and promotion, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Marzieh Araban
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, Public Health School, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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