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Maia AC, Marques MJ, Goes AR, Gama A, Osborne R, Dias S. Health literacy strengths and needs among migrant communities from Portuguese-speaking African countries in Portugal: a cross-sectional study. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1415588. [PMID: 39022410 PMCID: PMC11253791 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1415588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Health literacy among migrants is a matter of public health and social justice. Migrants from diverse backgrounds encounter challenges such as linguistic barriers, cultural disparities, restricted access to health services, and heterogeneous migration statuses. Addressing these challenges requires careful consideration of their unique experiences and needs to promote equitable health outcomes. This can hinder their ability to navigate the healthcare system, understand health information, and engage in health-promoting behaviours. However, there is still a significant gap in our understanding of health literacy within migrant communities. This study has a dual aim: to identify health literacy strengths and needs among migrants from Portuguese-speaking African Countries (PALOP) countries in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area and to examine associations between demographic, socioeconomic, migration and health condition characteristics and the health literacy domains. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted. Data were collected from 506 PALOP migrants using the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ). We also collected demographic, socioeconomic, migration, and health condition data. We employed multiple linear regression to understand the relationship between the HLQ nine domains and these characteristics. Results The HLQ scores revealed distinct patterns of health literacy between the groups. Health literacy needs were particularly evident in the domains related to feeling understood and supported by healthcare providers and navigating the healthcare system. Conversely, higher scores and potential strengths were observed in actively managing one's health and understanding enough health information to make informed decisions. However, in these, the average scores suggest that a high proportion of people recognised difficulties. 'The results also indicated that a higher educational level was associated with increased health literacy. In contrast, low self-perceived health status, living alone, shorter duration of residence in Portugal, and being either undocumented or in the process of obtaining legal status were associated with lower health literacy. Conclusion Our study highlights the importance of migration-related variables and self-reported health status in understanding health literacy among migrant communities. Factors such as length of stay and low self-perceived health status are associated with potentially disadvantageous levels of health literacy, which could exacerbate health inequalities. Assessing these variables is critical to identify gaps in health literacy and develop tailored interventions to reduce health inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Catarina Maia
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing (UICISA: E), Nursing School of Coimbra (ESEnfC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria João Marques
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, CHRC, REAL, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Goes
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Gama
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, CHRC, REAL, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Richard Osborne
- Centre of Global Health and Equity, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
| | - Sónia Dias
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, CHRC, REAL, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
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Shaw SJ, Huebner Torres C, Lee JK, Gavrilyuk D, Korchmaros JD. Cultural and translation challenges in assessing health literacy among immigrants from the former Soviet Union. Health Promot Int 2023; 38:daad103. [PMID: 37796105 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daad103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Health literacy is an important foundation for health promotion and an under-recognized risk factor for immigrant and refugee groups. Yet measuring health literacy among diverse ethnic and linguistic populations presents complex challenges. We describe cultural and translation challenges encountered in measuring health literacy among Russian-speaking immigrants to the USA and offer a mixed-methods approach to understanding them. The Rx-Health Literacy (RxHL) study used cross-sectional quantitative and qualitative data to examine health literacy and medication adherence among five cultural and four language groups (Latinx, Vietnamese, African-American, Russian-speaking immigrant and White American) who are patients at Caring Health Center, a federally qualified health center in Springfield, MA. We translated an existing health literacy scale into Russian and Vietnamese and examined item difficulty across cultural groups. We conducted qualitative cognitive interviews to learn more about Russian speakers' understandings of the scale. Health literacy scores varied by cultural group, and the range of correct responses was much greater among Russian speakers than in other groups. Percentage correct varied by 69.7% for Russian speakers, compared with 25.0-44.0% for other groups. These findings indicate greater variability in health literacy levels among this group compared with others. Cognitive interviews with Russian-speaking participants revealed multiple interpretations of several items, suggesting that the English version of the scale contained embedded meanings associated with an American health care context that were not captured in the translated instrument. Combining qualitative and quantitative research methods allows for greater insight into contextual and translation factors that may shape the results of translated instruments in unanticipated ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan J Shaw
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, University of Massachusetts, 715 N. Pleasant St., Amherst, MA, USA
| | | | - Jeannie K Lee
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Arizona, 1295 N. Martin St., Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Dina Gavrilyuk
- Caring Health Center, 1049 Main St., Springfield, MA 01103, USA
| | - Josephine D Korchmaros
- Southwest Institute for Research on Women, University of Arizona, 915 N. Tyndall Ave., Tucson, AZ, USA
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3
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Knaifel E, Youngmann R, Neter E. Immigrant generation, acculturation, and mental health literacy among former Soviet Union immigrants in Israel. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2022; 69:724-734. [PMID: 36409068 PMCID: PMC10152215 DOI: 10.1177/00207640221134236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on Mental Health Literacy (MHL) has been growing in different geographical and cultural contexts. However, little is known about the relationship between immigrant generations, acculturation, stigma, and MHL among immigrant populations. AIMS This study aims to examine differences in MHL among immigrant generations (first, 1.5, and second) from the former Soviet Union (FSU) in Israel and to assess whether differences are accounted for by immigration generation or acculturation. METHOD MHL was assessed among 420 participants using a cross-sectional survey adapted from the Australian National Survey. Associations of immigrant generation, socio-demographic characteristics, and acculturation with MHL indices were examined using bivariate and multivariable analyses. RESULTS First generation immigrants reported poorer identification of mental disorders and higher personal stigma than both 1.5- and second-generation immigrants. Acculturation was positively associated with identification of mental disorders and negatively associated with personal stigma across all immigrants' generations. When all variables were entered into a multivariate model predicting MHL indices, acculturation and gender were associated with personal stigma and only acculturation was associated with better identification of mental disorders. CONCLUSION Differences in MHL among FSU immigrants in Israel are mainly explained by acculturation rather than by immigrant generation. Implications for policy makers and mental health professionals working with FSU immigrants are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeny Knaifel
- Institute for Immigration and Social Integration, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel
| | - Rafael Youngmann
- Clinical Psychology Graduate Program, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel
| | - Efrat Neter
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel
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4
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Amburg P, Thompson RA, Curtis CA, Squires A. Different countries and cultures, same language: How registered nurses and midwives can provide culturally humble care to Russian‐speaking immigrants. Res Nurs Health 2022; 45:405-409. [DOI: 10.1002/nur.22252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Polina Amburg
- Marjorie K. Unterberg School of Nursing and Health Studies Monmouth University West Long Branch New Jersey USA
| | | | - Cedonnie A. Curtis
- School of Nursing and Health Sciences La Salle University Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA
| | - Allison Squires
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing New York University New York New York USA
- Department of General Internal Medicine Grossman School of Medicine, New York University New York New York USA
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5
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Kostareva U, Albright CL, Berens EM, Klinger J, Ivanov LL, Guttersrud Ø, Liu M, Sentell TL. Health literacy in former Soviet Union immigrants in the US: A mixed methods study. Appl Nurs Res 2022; 67:151598. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apnr.2022.151598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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6
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Martínez-García M, Villegas Camacho JM, Hernández-Lemus E. Connections and Biases in Health Equity and Culture Research: A Semantic Network Analysis. Front Public Health 2022; 10:834172. [PMID: 35425756 PMCID: PMC9002348 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.834172] [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: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Health equity is a rather complex issue. Social context and economical disparities, are known to be determining factors. Cultural and educational constrains however, are also important contributors to the establishment and development of health inequities. As an important starting point for a comprehensive discussion, a detailed analysis of the literature corpus is thus desirable: we need to recognize what has been done, under what circumstances, even what possible sources of bias exist in our current discussion on this relevant issue. By finding these trends and biases we will be better equipped to modulate them and find avenues that may lead us to a more integrated view of health inequity, potentially enhancing our capabilities to intervene to ameliorate it. In this study, we characterized at a large scale, the social and cultural determinants most frequently reported in current global research of health inequity and the interrelationships among them in different populations under diverse contexts. We used a data/literature mining approach to the current literature followed by a semantic network analysis of the interrelationships discovered. The analyzed structured corpus consisted in circa 950 articles categorized by means of the Medical Subheadings (MeSH) content-descriptor from 2014 to 2021. Further analyses involved systematic searches in the LILACS and DOAJ databases, as additional sources. The use of data analytics techniques allowed us to find a number of non-trivial connections, pointed out to existing biases and under-represented issues and let us discuss what are the most relevant concepts that are (and are not) being discussed in the context of Health Equity and Culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireya Martínez-García
- Department of Immunology, National Institute of Cardiology Ignacio Chávez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José Manuel Villegas Camacho
- Clinical Research Division, National Institute of Cardiology Ignacio Chávez, Mexico City, Mexico.,Social Relations Department, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Enrique Hernández-Lemus
- Computational Genomics Division, National Institute of Genomic Medicine, Mexico City, Mexico.,Center for Complexity Sciences, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
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7
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Lopatina M, Berens EM, Klinger J, Levin-Zamir D, Kostareva U, Aringazina A, Drapkina O, Pelikan JM. Adaptation of the Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS 19-Q) for Russian-Speaking Populations-International Collaboration across Germany, Israel, Kazakhstan, Russia, and the USA. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063572. [PMID: 35329258 PMCID: PMC8953584 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The Russian language is the eighth most spoken language in the world. Russian speakers reside in Russia, across the former Soviet Union republics, and comprise one of the largest populations of international migrants. However, little is known about their health literacy (HL) and there is limited research on HL instruments in the Russian language. The purpose of this study was to adapt the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLS19-Q) developed within the Health Literacy Survey 2019–2021 (HLS19) to the Russian language to study HL in Russian-speaking populations in Germany, Israel, Kazakhstan, Russia, and the USA. The HLS19-Q was translated either from English or from a national language to Russian in four countries first and then critically reviewed by three Russian-speaking experts for consensus. The HLS19 protocol and “team approach” method were used for linguistic and cultural adaptation. The most challenging was the adaptation of HLS19-Q questions to each country’s healthcare system while general HL questions were flexible and adaptable to specific contexts across all countries. This study provides recommendations for the linguistic and cultural adaptation of HLS19-Q into different languages and can serve as an example of international collaboration towards this end.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lopatina
- Department of Public Health, National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine, Ministry of Health, 101000 Moscow, Russia; (M.L.); (O.D.)
| | - Eva-Maria Berens
- School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, 33501 Bielefeld, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Julia Klinger
- Institute of Sociology and Social Psychology, University of Cologne, 50923 Köln, Germany;
| | - Diane Levin-Zamir
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, Clalit Health Services, University of Haifa School of Public Health, Tel Aviv 6209804, Israel;
| | - Uliana Kostareva
- Nancy Atmospera-Walch School of Nursing, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA;
| | - Altyn Aringazina
- Caspian International School of Medicine, Caspian University, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan;
| | - Oxana Drapkina
- Department of Public Health, National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine, Ministry of Health, 101000 Moscow, Russia; (M.L.); (O.D.)
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8
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Knaifel E. Cultural competence in multi-family psychoeducation groups: The experiences of Russian-speaking immigrant mothers of adults with severe mental illness. Transcult Psychiatry 2021; 60:156-166. [PMID: 34894876 PMCID: PMC10074739 DOI: 10.1177/13634615211058351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The successful integration of cultural competence with evidence-based practices in mental health services is still limited for particular cultural populations. The current study explored culturally adapted family psychoeducation intervention for immigrants from the former Soviet Union (FSU) in Israel who care for a family member with severe mental illness (SMI). Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 18 immigrant mothers about their experience of taking part in Russian-speaking multi-family psychoeducation groups (MFPGs). Qualitative content analysis revealed five salient processes and changes that participants attributed to their engagement in the intervention: 1) from a language barrier to utilization of and satisfaction with services; 2) from a lack of information to acquiring new mental health knowledge; 3) from harboring a family secret to exposure and sharing; 4) from social isolation to cultural belonging and support; 5) from families blurring boundaries to physical and emotional separation. The results showed that these changes-linguistic, cognitive, emotional, socio-cultural and relational-improved family coping and recovery. Implications for cultural adaptation of family psychoeducation for Russian-speaking immigrants are discussed.
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9
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Dopelt K, Avni N, Haimov-Sadikov Y, Golan I, Davidovitch N. Telemedicine and eHealth Literacy in the Era of COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Peripheral Clinic in Israel. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9556. [PMID: 34574480 PMCID: PMC8464820 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic mandating isolation, quarantine, and social distancing has accelerated and expanded the use of telemedicine. This study examines the extent of the use of telemedicine and the relationship between eHealth literacy and satisfaction with using telemedicine during the pandemic. A total of 156 participants from a clinic in a peripheral community in southern Israel completed an online questionnaire. We found that 85% knew how to use the internet for health information, but only one third felt safe using it to make health decisions. Furthermore, 93% used the internet for technical needs, such as renewing prescriptions or making a doctor's appointment. Even lower use for telemedicine was found (38%) for consultation or treatment sessions. A positive association was found between eHealth literacy and satisfaction variables with using telemedicine (rp = 0.39, p < 0.001). Although respondents understood the benefits of telemedicine, they were not satisfied nor interested in online sessions after the epidemic's end, preferring a meeting involving personal interaction. Young people and academics benefit more from telemedicine, thereby creating usage gaps and potentially increasing existing inequality. We recommend developing intervention programs, especially among vulnerable populations, to strengthen eHealth literacy and remove barriers causing skepticism about the use of telemedicine during and after the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keren Dopelt
- Department of Public Health, Ashkelon Academic College, 12 Ben Tzvi St., Ashkelon 78211, Israel; (N.A.); (Y.H.-S.); (I.G.)
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel;
| | - Nofar Avni
- Department of Public Health, Ashkelon Academic College, 12 Ben Tzvi St., Ashkelon 78211, Israel; (N.A.); (Y.H.-S.); (I.G.)
| | - Yana Haimov-Sadikov
- Department of Public Health, Ashkelon Academic College, 12 Ben Tzvi St., Ashkelon 78211, Israel; (N.A.); (Y.H.-S.); (I.G.)
| | - Iris Golan
- Department of Public Health, Ashkelon Academic College, 12 Ben Tzvi St., Ashkelon 78211, Israel; (N.A.); (Y.H.-S.); (I.G.)
| | - Nadav Davidovitch
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel;
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10
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Amburg P, Lindgren T, Ivanov LL. Traditional health-related practices of Russian-speaking immigrants. Public Health Nurs 2021; 39:372-380. [PMID: 34492125 DOI: 10.1111/phn.12966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The population of foreign-born residents continues to grow in the United States. One of the largest growing groups of immigrants is the population of Russian-speakers moving from the countries of the former Union of Soviet Socialistic Republics (Soviet Union/USSR). Like many other immigrants, Russian speakers present with various health concerns. Empirical literature indicates a gap in research that addresses culturally based beliefs and behaviors related to health in this group of immigrants. A qualitative ethnographic study that addresses the health-related practices of Russian-speaking immigrants was conducted on the East Coast of the United States. Twenty-eight participants, ages 36-86, were interviewed, along with participant observation and analysis of documents. Data analysis revealed three related categories: perception of health, perception of illness, and health-related practices. Perceptions of health were influenced by families and defined roles within the family. Perceptions of illness were outlined by approaches to disease management and remedies to illness. Subsequently, the health-related practices of Russian-speaking immigrants were molded by perceptions of health and illness. Further research is recommended to examine specific health-related practices of Russian-speaking immigrants in the United States and to explore more diverse groups within this aggregate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polina Amburg
- The Marjorie K. Unterberg School of Nursing and Health Studies, Monmouth University, Long Branch, New Jersey
| | - Teri Lindgren
- Community Health Systems School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Luba Louise Ivanov
- College of Nursing, Chamberlain College of Nursing, Downers Grove, Illinois
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11
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Bahar Özvarış Ş, Güçiz Doğan B, Konşuk Ünlü H, Aktuna G, İnandı T, Kurt AÖ, Aydın N, Kutluk MT. The adaptation of Turkish health literacy scale for literate Syrian adult refugees living in Turkey: a reliability-validity study. Confl Health 2021; 15:65. [PMID: 34454560 PMCID: PMC8401339 DOI: 10.1186/s13031-021-00401-5] [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: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Turkey hosts the world’s largest refugee population of whom 3.5 million are Syrians and this population has been continuously growing since the year 2011. This situation causes various problems, mainly while receiving health-care services. In planning the migrant health-care services, for the policy makers of host countries, health literacy level of migrants is an important measure. Determination of health literacy level of Syrian refugees in Turkey would be supportive for planning some interventions to increase health-care service utilization, as well as health education and health communication programs. An “original health literacy scale” for 18–60 years of age Turkish literate adults (Hacettepe University Health Literacy Scale-HLS) was developed to be used as a reference scale in 2018. Since it would be useful to compare the health literacy levels of Turkish adults with Syrian adult refugees living in Turkey with an originally developed scale, in this study, it was aimed to adapt the HLS-Short Form for Syrian refugees. Methods This methodological study was carried out between the years 2019–2020 in three provinces of Turkey where the majority of Syrians reside. The data was collected by pre-trained, Arabic speaking 12 interviewers and three supervisors via a questionnaire on household basis. At first, the original Scale and questionnaire were translated into Arabic and back translated into the original language. The questionnaire and the Scale were pre-tested among 30 Syrian refugees in Ankara province. A total of 1254 refugees were participated into the main part of the study; 47 health-worker participants were excluded from the validity-reliability analysis. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed. Cronbach’s alpha and Spearman–Brown coefficients were calculated. Results Of the participants, 52.9% was male; 26.1% had secondary education level or less; almost half of them had moderate economic level; 27.5% could not speak Turkish. The Cronbach’s Alpha was 0.75, Spearman–Brown Coefficient was 0.76; RMSEA = 0.073, CFI = 0.93, TLI = 0.92 and GFI = 0.95 for the Scale. The Cronbach’s Alpha was 0.76, Spearman–Brown Coefficient was 0.77; RMSEA = 0.085, CFI = 0.93, TLI = 0.91 and GFI = 0.95 for self-efficacy part. Conclusion In conclusion, the adapted HLS would be a reliable instrument to evaluate the health-literacy level of Syrian refugees living in Turkey and could allow for a comparison of the host country’s health literacy level to that of the refugees using the same scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Şevkat Bahar Özvarış
- Public Health Institute, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.,Research for Health in Conflict in the Middle East and North Africa (R4HC-MENA), and the Conflict and Health Research Group (CHRG), King's College, London, UK
| | | | | | - Gamze Aktuna
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Tacettin İnandı
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Turkey
| | - A Öner Kurt
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Neriman Aydın
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - M Tezer Kutluk
- Research for Health in Conflict in the Middle East and North Africa (R4HC-MENA), and the Conflict and Health Research Group (CHRG), King's College, London, UK.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Cancer Institute, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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Zlotnick C, Dryjanska L, Suckerman S. Health literacy, resilience and perceived stress of migrants in Israel during the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychol Health 2021; 37:1076-1092. [PMID: 33980091 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2021.1921177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine perceived stress in migrants guided by Bornstein's Specificity Principle in Acculturation Science (BSPAS) theoretical framework. DESIGN Using a cross-sectional study, we recruited English-language migrants (n = 411) living in Israel to respond to an online questionnaire during the COVID-19 pandemic, from 3 April to 16 May 2020. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The dependent variable comprised the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) scores, which attained an internal consistency of 0.91 in this sample. RESULTS PSS scores were related to lower age (p < 0.0001), being single (p = 0.0095), not possessing high (p = 0.0069) or medium resilience (p = 0.0002), reporting below average SES (p = 0.0196), being "extremely" worried about getting COVID-19 (p < 0.0001), and having high health literacy (p = 0.0007). Additionally, the interaction between health literacy and resilience (p < 0.0001) showed that migrants with high resilience and high health literacy had the lowest perceived stress; and migrants with low resilience and high health literacy had the highest perceived stress. CONCLUSIONS Interventions are needed to assist migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic. The optimal intervention will aim to address the psychological distress while increasing both health literacy and resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl Zlotnick
- Cheryl Spencer Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health & Welfare Science, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Laura Dryjanska
- Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University, La Mirada, CA, USA
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13
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Kostareva U, Albright CL, Berens EM, Polansky P, Kadish DE, Ivanov LL, Sentell TL. A Multilingual Integrative Review of Health Literacy in Former Soviet Union, Russian-Speaking Immigrants. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18020657. [PMID: 33466671 PMCID: PMC7828764 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18020657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Large diasporas of former Soviet Union (FSU) immigrants are found in the USA, Germany, and Israel. To synthesize evidence, identify limitations, and propose future directions we conducted an integrative review on the health literacy of FSU immigrants, migrants, or refugees in four languages. Following integrative review and PRISMA guidelines, we searched four databases in English and performed supplementary searches in Russian, German, and Hebrew to identify qualitative and quantitative studies on FSU immigrants and health literacy. Six articles met inclusion criteria in English and one in German; the majority were published in the last five years. Only two articles measured health literacy of FSU immigrants, which was lower than the general population. Four articles were about immigrants with a mean age ≥50 years. All articles stressed the value of translated, culturally relevant health information. The health literacy of FSU immigrants is understudied, despite clear needs. Future research should include assessments of FSU immigrants’ health literacy and include diverse (e.g., age, gender) yet well-defined populations to determine both barriers and facilitators to their health literacy. This review, an example of a multilingual search, provided a comprehensive understanding of existing literature and is a useful approach for global health literacy research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uliana Kostareva
- School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Cheryl L. Albright
- School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA;
- Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA;
| | - Eva-Maria Berens
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Literacy Research, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany;
| | - Patricia Polansky
- Hamilton Library Russian Bibliographer, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA;
| | - Deborah E. Kadish
- Center for Evaluation of Health Promotion Interventions, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 31000, Israel;
| | - Luba L. Ivanov
- Chamberlain College of Nursing, Chamberlain University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA;
| | - Tetine L. Sentell
- Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA;
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Sentell T, Vamos S, Okan O. Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Health Literacy Research Around the World: More Important Than Ever in a Time of COVID-19. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E3010. [PMID: 32357457 PMCID: PMC7246523 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17093010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
As we write our editorial for a health literacy special issue in the midst of the international COVID-19 crisis, we take this opportunity to highlight the importance of individual, community, and population health literacy. We are not only in a "pandemic" but also an "infodemic". Health literacy is more important than ever in the face of these global health threats, which have impacted outcomes across the levels of the socio-ecological model (SEM), including individual health behaviors, family relationships, organizational behavior, state policy-making, national mortality statistics, and the international economy in the span of weeks. Our special issue sought to pull together interdisciplinary threads guided by two principles. The first was defining health literacy as essential skills and situational resources needed for people to find, understand, evaluate, communicate, and use information and services in a variety of forms across various settings throughout their life course to promote health and wellbeing. The second was the idea that enhancing health literacy in populations and systems is critical to achieving health equity. In this time of public health need across traditional borders, the inter-sectoral and international perspectives of special issue articles are more urgent than ever. A greater understanding, appreciation, and application of health literacy can support policy action on multiple levels to address major public health challenges. Health literacy should be built deliberately as a population-level resource and community asset. We have summarized the set of articles in this special issue across the levels of the SEM, hoping their thoughtful considerations and interesting findings will help to support global health and wellness and inspire future research, policy, and practice in this global public health emergency and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetine Sentell
- Office of Public Health Studies, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Sandra Vamos
- School of Interdisciplinary Health Programs, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, USA
| | - Orkan Okan
- Interdisciplinary Center for Health Literacy Research, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
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