Health literacy as a predictor of road traffic injury prevention

Background Road traffic injuries impose a substantial health burden among children. Health literacy is one of the most important determinants of non-communicable disease prevention. Parent health literacy is connected with their knowledge and behaviors regarding children road traffic injuries (CRTI) prevention. The aim of this study was to explore health literacy, knowledge and behaviors of mothers' in Croatia regarding CRTI prevention. Methods This population based cross-sectional questionnaire study was done during 2019 in convenient sample of mothers of school aged children. Sociodemographic data and data about knowledge and behaviors of mothers regarding CRTI prevention were collected by the use of specially designed questionnaire. Croatian version of the Newest Vital Sign screening test (NVS-HR) was used for heath literacy determination. Results There were 814 mothers' median age 36.0 (interquartile range 32.0. - 39.0). According to NVS-HR there were 17.7%, 26.5% and 55.8% of mothers with low, intermediate and adequate health literacy level, respectively. The higher levels of health literacy were connected with younger age of mothers (37 years old or less) (P = 0.027); urban area of settlement (P < 0.001); living with a partner (P = 0.018); higher educational level of mothers (P < 0.001) and with better self-perceived economic status (P = 0.009). The study revealed poor positive correlation between mothers' health literacy and their knowledge regarding CRTI prevention (rho=0.170; P < 0.001). The study further showed that there was no correlation between mothers' health literacy and their behavior regarding CRTI prevention (rho=0.072; P = 0.041). Finally, the study revealed poor positive correlation between mothers' knowledge and behavior regarding CRTI prevention (rho=0.193; P < 0.001). Conclusions The level of health literacy affects mothers' knowledge about CRTI prevention. Further studies are needed to better understand the underlying reasons for established association. Key messages Low parent health literacy is one of the predictors of poor parent knowledge about children road traffic injuries prevention. It is necessary to identify and to address low parent health literacy in preventive strategies directed towards children road traffic injury prevention.