Health Literacy among Female University Students in the United Arab Emirates

John Matthews

《第六屆亞洲健康識能國際會議》 預刊文章 Pp. 1-2

https://doi.org/10.6881/AHLA.201810.SKP03

摘要

While extensive in volume and scope, the body of scholarly literature focusing on health literacy and its impacts is not well developed as it pertains to Arab females in the Gulf Cooperating Council (GCC) countries. Thus, very little is known about the levels of general health knowledge, knowledge related to NCDs, such as cancer and diabetes, and this population's ability to interpret essential health related materials and navigate complex health systems. To address this gap, a cross-sectional study was conducted with female university students enrolled at a federal university in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Data was gathered from 456 undergraduate students using the EU-HLS survey, Newest Vital Sign, and the Cancer Health Literacy Test (CHLT) as primary measurement instruments. Results indicate that approximately half of the sample did not possess the requisite health-related knowledge or skills to successfully navigate the healthcare system or adhere to complex instructions from care providers. Most notably, the current study's findings indicate statistically significant differences in levels of health literacy based on respondents' perceived health status, date of last healthcare consultation, and exercise frequency. This presentation will provide an overview of pertinent findings from all three measurement instruments, and will explore recommendations for health promotion policy and practice with Arab females, as well as introduce campus-based health literacy promotion activities designed to support female university students and their children.

關鍵字

Arab ； Female ； United Arab Emirates