Exploring the Nurses' Knowledge of Health Literacy in Central Taiwan

Ya-Wen Chang ； Li-Chi Huang ； Li Chu Lo

《第六屆亞洲健康識能國際會議》 預刊文章 Pp. 1-3

https://doi.org/10.6881/AHLA.201810.SOP01

摘要

Background: Approximately one third of adult people have limited health literacy (LHL) in Taiwan. The official of National Action Plan in improving Health Literacy point out that professionals to identifying individuals with LHL and providing easy-to-use health materials may promote their health and wellness. Nurses as an educator in providing health information. However, there is lack of evidence showing how nurses' adequate awareness and understanding of health literacy issues in Taiwan. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore nurses' knowledge of health literacy and related factors. Methods: This was a Cross-sectional study design. A total of 404 nurses were recruited from medical center (n=1), district hospital (n= 1), local hospital (n=2) and community health center (n=4) in central Taiwan. The measurement, Health Literacy Knowledge, was translated and modified from Dr. Cormier's Health Literacy Knowledge and Experiences Survey. A self-administered online questionnaires were distributed by hospitals' official sites to potential participants. The Health Literacy Knowledge included 30 items with total score ranged from 0 to 30. Higher scores indicate higher levels of health literacy knowledge. Results: The results revealed that majority of participants were female (97.8%, n=395) and the mean age was 32.85 (SD=9.25). The mainly degree of education was bachelor degree (73.0%; n=295). The scores for the knowledge of health literacy ranged from 2 to 25, with a mean score of 15.30 (SD=4.166). More than 60% participants were correct responses of ＂age older than 65yrs＂ and ＂all ethnic groups＂ were at high prevalent for LHL. But only 18.8% correct responses of ＂recommended reading level for written healthcare information＂ which is 5th grade. And only 27.2% correct responses of ＂Individuals who have LHL may not admit that they have difficult reading＂. Moreover, 61.6 to 80.7% of participants do not know the screening materials and function. Our study found that participants' knowledge of health literacy was positively associated with their education level (p ＜0.001) which was master degree better than others; and job title (p＜0.001) which was community nurses better than clinical nurses; and working experience (p ＜0.01) which was more experienced nurses better than less experienced nurses. Conclusion: These findings will serve as a reference for promoting nurses' knowledge of health literacy. We suggest nurses need more awareness that LHL individuals may not asking questions they do not understand. Continuing education should emphasis on knowing the methods in assessing individuals' HL and strategy in health education.

關鍵字

Limited Health literacy ； Health education ； Nursing