Open AccessHealth literacy, associated lifestyle and demographic factors in adult population of an English city: a cross‐sectional survey
Author(s) -
Protheroe Joanne,
Whittle Rebecca,
Bartlam Bernadette,
Estacio Emee Vida,
Clark Linda,
Kurth Judith
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
health expectations
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.314
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1369-7625
pISSN - 1369-6513
DOI - 10.1111/hex.12440
Subject(s) - health literacy , educational attainment , psychological intervention , literacy , gerontology , cross sectional study , public health , logistic regression , socioeconomic status , population , medicine , health equity , psychology , health care , environmental health , demography , nursing , sociology , pedagogy , pathology , economics , economic growth
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 S toke‐on‐ T rent, where 31.2% of the population live in areas classified amongst the 10% most deprived in England. Methods A cross‐sectional survey using the N ewest V ital S ign 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.