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Health literacy, associated lifestyle and demographic factors in adult population of an English city: a cross-sectional survey

Protheroe, Jo; Whittle, Rebecca; Bartlam, Bernadette; Vida Estacio, Emee; Clark, Linda; Kurth, Judith

Health literacy, associated lifestyle and demographic factors in adult population of an English city: a cross-sectional survey Thumbnail


Authors

Rebecca Whittle

Bernadette Bartlam

Emee Vida Estacio

Linda Clark

Judith Kurth



Abstract

Background
Lower health literacy is a public health issue that follows a social gradient, potentially reinforcing existing health inequalities. However, levels of health literacy in particular populations can be unclear and are a key to identifying effective public health interventions. This research examined health literacy levels in Stoke-on-Trent, where 31.2% of the population live in areas classified amongst the 10% most deprived in England.

Methods
A cross-sectional survey using the Newest Vital Sign examined associations with demographic factors, lifestyle behaviours, Internet use and self-rated health. The sample (n = 1046) took account of variance in levels of health literacy by age, educational attainment and deprivation. Bivariate logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression were used to estimate associations with health literacy when adjusted for other demographic factors and lifestyle behaviours.

Results
Nine hundred and seventy-two respondents completed the health literacy measure (93%): 277 (28.5%) scored low, 228 (23.5%) scored marginal and 467 (48.0%) scored adequate. Associations with higher rates of limited health literacy included older age, lower educational level, lower income, perceived poor health and lack of access to the Internet.

Conclusions
Given the complexity of factors influencing health literacy interdisciplinary approaches across health and social care and the voluntary sector are essential in identifying and developing appropriate interventions.

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Nov 30, 2015
Online Publication Date Jan 15, 2016
Publication Date 2016-02
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Health Expectations
Print ISSN 1369-6513
Publisher Wiley
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 20
Issue 1
Pages 112-119
DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.12440
Keywords health literacy, inequalities, public health
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/hex.12440