Journal of Health Literacy
Volume:7 Issue: 3, Autumn 2022

With digital communication technologies such as the internet, and social media platforms, COVID-19 infodemic spreads faster than the coronavirus itself, hence, interfering with national public health containment strategies and government health communication. The objective of this research was to access digital health literacy and its associated factors among university students during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Malaysia, 2021. A total of 1532 Malaysian students participated in this cross-sectional web-based survey. A standardized questionnaire was created using Google Form, and the link was shared via different social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp. Chi-Square Test was used to assess the level of Digital Health Literacy, and web-based information seeking among university students.  Among 1532 adult respondents in this study, we found that 42% of the people had difficulties to assess the reliability of health-related information and 42.2% had the ability to decide whether the information provided was written with commercial interest. In addition, sociodemographic variables: age of respondents, gender, race, residents, occupational status, educational status, marital status, family income and employment status were significantly associated with the level of digital health literacy during the COVID-19 pandemic with p-value of less than 0.05 by using Chi-square test. Though digital health literacy is well established among university students; a significant number of students still face difficulties with certain abilities to evaluate information. Digital health literacy needs to be strengthened among university students in order to improve the quality of health-related information on the internet.

Health literacy encompasses skills and competences that allow users to understand health care. The knowledge gap was identified in the Post-Graduate Health Programs. The aim of the current article was to describe the process focused on including the Health Literacy discipline in a Postgraduate Program in Collective Health of a Public Institution.  Descriptive study, carried out from the identification of the existing gap in the disciplinary matrix of postgraduate courses, starting from the assessment of needs, establishment of goals and objectives, as well as educational strategies to achieve them, from the implementation of a health literacy discipline with 30 hours, divided into eight meetings, later formally evaluated by the students.  The course content allowed students to enter the epistemological field of health literacy, through reflections and discussions related to health literacy strategies in their professional practice, improving health communication and qualifying health decision-making by the user.  The discipline based on health literacy is of paramount importance to the matrix, as it allows health professionals to identify new paths in their practices, as well as improving the health professional/patient relationship.

Background and Objectives:

 The aim of this study is to draw a comprehensive picture of patients’ functional and critical health literacy and its association with socio-demographic variables and self-efficacy. We investigated the referrals to Isfahan health centers, in particular the dimensions of reading ability, numeracy and eHealth literacy using two different measures, NVS for the functional and the eHEALS for critical aspects. 

The surveys were administered to a random sample (N = 384), which resembled Iran Isfahan residents in terms, educational attainment and self-efficacy but not age and gender. For testing individuals with low health literacy, the NVS is a reliable and quick screening tool. eHEALS helps to measure patients’ capabilities in Internet searches. Both of tools are validated in Persian. Pearson’s correlation coefficient, χ2-test, independent t-test and regression were also used to assess the association between health literacy measures, self-efficacy and predictor variables. (p <0.05)

More than 60% of our respondents had an inadequate or marginal level of health literacy with NVS, and with eHEALS, more than 50% were classified accordingly. NVS and eHEALS scores showed an association with higher education one of the predictors of health literacy. Higher eHEALS scores were associated with higher self-efficacy. eHEALS provides a valid self-reported assessment of patients’ eHealth literacy, and NVS provides a useful appraisal of patients’ functional health literacy. 

In our sample, more than 50% of patients had a low level of literacy. eHEALS provides a valid self-reported assessment of patients’ eHealth literacy, and NVS provides a useful appraisal of patients’ functional health literacy. Determining health literacy in patients leads to a better understanding of their perception, application and decision-making in health problems.

One of the basic components for maintaining sexual health is the amount of information and awareness of individuals, which leads to informed, responsible and healthy decisions about sexual issues and is referred to as sexual health literacy. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the level of sexual health literacy of pre-marriage couples referred to the selected health centers south khorasan in 2019-2020.  In this descriptive-analytical study, 258 of pre-marriage couples referred to the selected health centers south khorasan were randomly selected in 2019-2020. To collect data, a checklist of personal characteristics and an adult sexual health literacy questionnaire were used. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 19 using descriptive and inferential statistics. The mean score of sexual health literacy of couples was 161.25 ± 19.5 Which showed a high level of sexual health literacy in most people. There was a statistically significant relationship between sexual health literacy with the source of sexual information, religion, age and type of residence (p <0.05). The results of the study showed that people who used the book to obtain sexual health information had a higher score of sexual health literacy. It seems that the use of official sources is reliable, credible and well-directed. Considering the importance of sexual health in the individual and social life of couples, it seems that it is better to conduct a needs assessment in this field at different age periods and provide the necessary training.

Health literacy of pregnant mothers along with prenatal care is effective in preventing the adverse outcomes of pregnancy. We aimed to assess the relationship between health literacy and adequacy of prenatal care utilization index with pregnancy and adverse postpartum outcomes. The present study was a descriptive-analytical study done in health centers affiliated to Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. Cluster sampling is used and 20 centers were selected from 55 center randomatically.The data collection tools were demographic characteristics questionnaire, maternal health literacy and pregnancy outcome questionnaire (MHLAPQ), standard Adequacy of Prenatal Care Utilization Index (APNCUI), fetal-maternal outcomes checklist, and neonatal-maternal outcomes checklist designed by the researcher. Data were analyzed at a significance level of 0.05. The health literacy score was 55.65±11.53 (range: 14-70). 176 (44%) women had adequate prenatal care index. 64% of the women had adverse pregnancy outcomes, and neonatal outcomes were seen in 49% of the participants. 16% of the women and 64.3% of the neonates had postpartum outcomes. Health literacy was significantly associated with fetal outcomes during pregnancy (P=0.023) but not with maternal outcomes during pregnancy (P=0.652), maternal postpartum outcomes (P=0.084), and neonatal postpartum outcomes (P=0.391). The pregnancy care adequacy index had a significant relationship with maternal and fetal outcomes during pregnancy and infancy (P<0.001). But it had no significant relationship with maternal outcomes after delivery (P=0.224). Promoting health literacy and receiving prenatal care in pregnant mothers requires health care providers to be aware of these indicators to design educational and care programs to promote and maintain a safe pregnancy and create a pleasant experience of pregnancy and postpartum for the mother and her family.

Health literacy is a critical factor in the management of non-communicable and communicable diseases, such as COVID-19. The present study aimed to evaluate the status of health literacy concerning the prevention and control of COVID-19 among Iranian population in 2020. The present cross-sectional study was conducted using a researcher-made online questionnaire (The questionnaire consisted of seven multiple-choice demographic items and 50 questions on the health literacy of respondents during the coronavirus epidemic.) to collect data from 1200 Iranian compatriots selected via convenience sampling in 2020. Collected data were analyzed by running T-test, one‑way analysis of variance, Pearson test, and regression test using SPSS25 software. Significance level was considered <0.05. The mean score of health literacy was 66.33±15.48 indicating higher rates in women, age group of 20-25 years, single people, urbanites, employees, healthy people, and individuals with academic education (p<0.001). Study variables could predict 42.5% health literacy concerning the prevention and control of COVID-19. Gender, residential area, health status, level of education, and occupation were significant predictors of health literacy (p<0.001). Based on the findings, the health literacy of Iranian people was at a relatively desirable level. However, health authorities are required to design and implement purposeful and theory-based educational programs to raise the level of awareness in society.

To investigate the correlation between health literacy and self-care behaviors among patients with COVID-19 in Rafsanjan, Iran. Due to the prevalence of corona disease worldwide and the lack of definitive and known treatment for it, the ability of patients to take care of themselves and Adherence to maintaining health is the best known way to prevent.  This descriptive study was performed in the first 6 months of 2020 on patients referred to health centers in Rafsanjan in 2020 with a confirmed COVID-19. Samples were selected by census method. The Health Literacy Questionnaire (HELIA) and the researcher-made self-care questionnaire were used and completed electronically.  One hundred and one eligible COVID-19 patients were enrolled in the study, 44.6% of participation having (THL < 132) and 55.4% of participation having (THL ≥ 133), and self-care had a significant weak and positive correlation only with Understand (one of the components of health literacy).   The results, showed that health literacy had a significant weak correlation with self-care in patients with COVID-19, therefore patients need proper knowledge and attitude to successfully develop self-care ability in order to successfully control their disease and prevent transmission to others.

Due to the uncertainty that arises during a disease outbreak, conflict, or natural disaster, crises are fertile grounds for sowing false information. In this context, an infodemic may arise from an excess of information in general, a lack of reliable information, or an increase in misinformation and disinformation. The purpose of this study was to look into the actions for dispelling fake news and managing infodemic about the COVID-19 vaccination.

The literature search for this narrative review was conducted using English databases of Cochrane Library, PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct, as well as Persian databases including Magiran and Scientific Information Database. In addition, the World Health Organization, the reports of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) were also searched over. The search was carried out from December 2019 until May 31, 2022.

Combating health misinformation would necessitate a collective effort from all sectors of society. There is sufficient knowledge that misinformation is a serious problem and its solution requires a joint and collective effort. Key actions to combat infodemic were categorized from micro to macro. These levels include individuals and families, educators and educational institutions, health professionals, researchers, social media professionals, media organizations, and the government.

 Because of the unique nature of COVID-19 and the flood of misinformation and fake news surrounding the pandemic, we believe that traditional actions limited to governments and healthcare institutions will not be adequate to successfully receive the common people's vaccination and reduce vaccine hesitancy.  The best approach to combating health disinformation is to acknowledge that different levels of society, from micro to macro, must realize that this is their moral and civic role, and that they must hold themselves accountable.