Search

The prevalence of maternal undernutrition has been reduced via numerous interventions, but it remains a global public health concern in underdeveloped countries. Pregnant women are increasingly using mobile phone applications to obtain, save, and share health information. This study evaluated maternal nutrition knowledge for the purposes of developing a mobile phone application-based health information sharing platform for pregnant women attending ante-natal care at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. The study adopted cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study design. A food frequency and individual dietary diversity questionnaires were used to gather data on dietary consumption and diversity, while a semi-structured questionnaire was used to gather sociodemographic information from respondents who attended the antenatal clinic. Approximately 31.2% of respondents exhibited a high level of knowledge regarding mobile phone applications. Half of the participants (50.1%) demonstrated a moderate level of understanding, whereas 18.7% showed a low level of familiarity with mobile phone applications. About 19.9% met the minimum dietary diversity score, while 12.2% met the minimum meal frequency, and 26.7% met the minimum acceptable diet. Based on Mid-Upper Arm Circumference, 60% of the pregnant women had normal nutritional status, 36.9% moderate acute malnutrition while 3.1% had severe acute malnutrition. Significant association was observed between dietary diversity score and mobile phone application knowledge p < 0.001. Additionally, nutritional status p < 0.05 and level of education p < 0.05, and mobile phone application knowledge of pregnant women showed significant associations. Despite the growing number of mHealth apps, the level of knowledge and usability of such apps by patients still remains relatively low. Nevertheless, the majority who used health apps found them to be beneficial, and agreed that it helped them to live a healthier lifestyle. Health apps have great potential in health promotion and therefore, to increase the use of these apps, it is necessary to first increase awareness and knowledge of these apps, both to the public and to healthcare professionals. Key words: Mobile phone application knowledge, Maternal nutrition status, Maternal Diet, INTRODUCTION Globally, maternal malnutrition remains a significant public health concern in developing countries, prompting the implementation of various interventions that aim at reducing its prevalence [1]. Evidence suggests that effective [...]

: Introduction: Although strong scientific evidence of the efficacy and effectiveness of treatment‐as‐prevention (TasP) is available, full endorsement of the “Undetectable = Untransmittable” (U = U) and “zero‐risk” messages could be improved. Increasing knowledge about HIV transmission, prevention and treatment is a critical component of care efforts. The study assessed knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention strategies, and the perceived accuracy of the slogan U = U among sexual and gender minorities (SGM) in Brazil. Methods: Cross‐sectional web‐based survey targeting adult SGM living in Brazil (2021−2022) recruited on social media and dating apps. We used the 12‐item HIV Knowledge Assessment (HIV‐KA) questionnaire to assess HIV knowledge, three items of which address pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), post‐exposure prophylaxis and TasP. Perceived accuracy of the U = U slogan was assessed with the question: “With regards to HIV‐positive individuals transmitting HIV through sexual contact, how accurate do you believe the slogan U = U is?”. We a priori grouped the study population into three mutually exclusive groups: people living with HIV (PLHIV), HIV negative and HIV unknown. We used logistic regression models to assess factors associated with high HIV knowledge and perception of the U = U as completely accurate. Results: Of 50,222 individuals accessing the questionnaire, 23,981 were included: 5071 (21.0%) PLHIV, 17,257 (71.5%) HIV negative and 1653 (6.9%) HIV unknown. The proportion of participants with high knowledge was significantly higher for PLHIV and HIV negative (48.1% and 45.5%, respectively) compared to 26.1% of HIV unknown. More PLHIV perceived U = U as completely accurate (80.4%), compared to 60.0% of HIV negative and 42.9% of HIV unknown. HIV knowledge correlates with perceived accuracy of the U = U slogan across all groups. Higher HIV knowledge was associated with higher income and education regardless of HIV status. Among HIV‐negative participants, PrEP awareness and use were associated with higher knowledge and accurate perception of the U = U slogan. Conclusions: Our findings show that HIV knowledge and perceived accuracy of U = U are strongly correlated, that knowledge differs according to HIV status, and that poor socio‐economic is linked to poor knowledge among SGM from Brazil. Educational strategies regarding TasP, U = U and zero risk targeting socio‐economically vulnerable populations are urgent in Brazil., INTRODUCTION Scientific evidence of the efficacy and effectiveness of treatment‐as‐prevention (TasP) has accrued from experimental [1] and large cohort studies [2–4] and were recently summarized in a systematic review that [...]

Low mental health literacy is a public health concern in China and contributes to the low underutilization of mental health resources. We extended the current conceptualization of mental health literacy and developed a comprehensive self-report measure of mental health literacy in the Chinese context, the Mental Health Literacy Questionnaire (MHLQ). We generated items based on existing literature, extensive qualitative interviews with mental health professionals and community members. We revised these items based on expert review to examine content validity, after which we conducted a pilot test with a representative sample of 734 urban and rural community members to illicit feedback on wording clarity and select items within appropriate difficulty levels (i.e., correct rate). We then examined dimensionality and item performance using multidimensional item response theory analyses in a combined sample of mental health professionals (n = 122), community members (n = 121), and college students (n = 144). We concluded a six-factor structure for the MHLQ encompassing mental health knowledge, mental illness knowledge, attitudes towards mental health, attitudes towards mental illness, behaviors regarding mental health promotion, and behaviors regarding mental illness coping. The scale yielded adequate internal reliability estimates and test-retest agreement, and convergent evidence and known-group comparisons results in support of construct validity. The six-factor MHLQ largely supported our extended theoretical conceptualization of the mental health literacy in the Chinese context. Future studies are needed to further validate the factor structure and examine measurement invariance., Author(s): Jue Wu [sup.1] [sup.2] [sup.3] , Cixin Wang [sup.4] , Yun Lu [sup.5] , Xu Zhu [sup.1] [sup.2] [sup.3] , Yanqing Li [sup.1] [sup.2] [sup.3] , Guangda Liu [sup.1] [...]

The purpose of this study was to describe the development and preliminary testing of a new scale assessing knowledge about melanoma risk factors and early detection/secondary prevention. Data was drawn from a longitudinal study assessing barriers and facilitators of skin self- examination among patients diagnosed with melanoma. For the current analysis, 191 patients who completed the new 9-item Knowledge About Melanoma Early Detection Scale and other study measures were included. Exploratory factor analysis with were conducted, which identified a robust scale comprised of 6 items with factor loadings ranging from .56 to .81. Higher scores on the Knowledge About Melanoma Early Detection Scale were associated with younger age and more positive attitudes about melanoma prevention, but not with biological sex, education, melanoma stage, or past self-administered and physician-provided skin checks. Further studies are needed to replicate these findings and to further establish the predictive validity of this scale and its usefulness for health research., Author(s): Adina Coroiu [sup.1] [sup.2] , Chelsea Moran [sup.3] , Linda Kwakkenbos [sup.4] , Brett D. Thombs [sup.2] [sup.5] [sup.6] [sup.7] [sup.8] [sup.9] , Annett Körner [sup.2] [sup.5] [sup.10] [sup.11] [...]

Little is known about how parent health literacy contributes to health-related outcomes for children with autism. This mixed-methods study included 82 U.S. parents of a child with autism 2-5 years-old and sought to describe (1) health literacy dimensions, (2) how health literacy influences services use, and (3) health literacy improvement strategies. Results showed: autism information was accessed from multiple sources; understanding autism information involved 'doing your own research'; autism information empowered decision-making; health literacy facilitated behavioral services use; health literacy influenced medication use; family and system characteristics also affected services use; autism education remains needed; services information is needed across the diagnostic odyssey; and greater scientific information accessibility would increase uptake. Findings demonstrate how parent health literacy affects services use., Author(s): Olivia J. Lindly [sup.1] [sup.2] [sup.3] , Jacqueline Cabral [sup.1] [sup.4] , Ruqayah Mohammed [sup.1] [sup.5] , Ivonne Garber [sup.3] , Kamila B. Mistry [sup.6] , Karen A. Kuhlthau [...]

: Introduction: Achieving sustained HIV viral suppression is a key strategy to optimize the health and wellbeing of those living with HIV. Sub‐optimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in adolescents and young people living with HIV (AYPLHIV) in Southern Africa, due to a range of social and contextual factors, including poor mental health, has presented a substantial challenge to meeting targets aimed towards improving treatment outcomes and reducing transmission. With the increasing availability of viral load (VL) testing in Southern Africa, there is an opportunity to better understand the relationship between VL literacy, wellbeing and adherence among adolescents. Methods: We conducted qualitative interviews with 45 AYPLHIV aged 10–24 years in three districts (urban, peri‐urban and rural) in Zimbabwe between March and August 2021. The sample was purposively selected to represent a range of experiences related to HIV status disclosure, gender, marital status and treatment experience. Separate workshops were conducted with 18 healthcare workers (HCWs) and 20 caregivers to better understand existing support mechanisms to AYPLHIV accessing ART. We used thematic analysis to examine adolescent VL literacy, treatment support networks, experiences of clinic interactions, VL testing procedures and barriers to adherence. Results: VL literacy was consistently under‐developed among participants. Comprehension of phrases commonly heard during clinic visits, such as TND (target not detected) and “high” and “low” VL, were better understood by older participants. VL testing was predominantly understood as a clinical procedure that enables HCWs to monitor treatment adherence. Absent throughout the interviews were descriptions of how viral suppression improves health and quality of life, likely fosters wellbeing and enhances self‐esteem, enables participation in education and social activities, and eliminates the risk of onward transmission. Conclusions: It is imperative that we reconsider how routine VL monitoring is communicated to and understood by AYPLHIV. Reframing ART, including VL test results, in terms of the psychosocial benefits that viral suppression can generate is likely to be crucial to motivating AYPLHIV to maintain optimal treatment engagement and develop self‐management approaches as they move into adulthood. Access to accurate information tailored to individual concerns and circumstances can support AYPLHIV to achieve wellbeing., INTRODUCTION Adolescents and young people living with HIV (AYPLHIV) continue to have the worst health outcomes of all age groups living with HIV [1]. Rates of viral suppression remain lower [...]

In Kazakhstan, the diagnosis of autism relies upon the expertise of various specialists and a range of measures that have not been researched to date. The present study collected data from a range of health specialists across Kazakhstan currently known to be involved in the diagnosis of children with autism. The research was an explanatory mixed methods design; survey followed by interviews. Participants included psychiatrists, pediatric neurologists, general practitioners, and other specialists. Analysis showed a range of beliefs including common misconceptions concerning the etiology and manifestation of autism not aligned with current research knowledge. These beliefs were shown to persist across disciplines and were not restricted to any specific region of the country, or particular profession., Author(s): Michelle Somerton [sup.1] , Valentina Stolyarova [sup.2] , Stanislav Khanin [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.428191.7, 0000 0004 0495 7803, Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Education, , 53 Kabanbay Batyr, [...]

Mental health literacy (MHL) for pre-service teachers seeks to improve knowledge and help-seeking behaviours and decrease stigma. Increased MHL may also change perceived stress and self-efficacy for inclusive practices. This cohort study evaluates the impact of an online MHL resource for educators, embedded within a mandatory Bachelor of Education (BEd) course, on pre-service teachers' MHL, perceived stress, and teacher efficacy toward inclusive practices. Seventy-one pre-service teachers completed the course as well as pre- and post-surveys. Results demonstrated significant and substantial improvements on knowledge, help-seeking, and perceived efficacy for inclusive practices. Increased MHL may be an effective approach in meeting the requirements of inclusive education. Keywords: mental health literacy, pre-service teachers, inclusive education, self-efficacy La litteratie en sante mentale (LSM) pour les enseignants en formation initiale vise a ameliorer les connaissances, les comportements de recherche d'aide et a reduire la stigmatisation. Une meilleure LSM peut egalement modifier la perception du stress et de l'autoefficacite vis-a-vis des pratiques inclusives en enseignement. Cette etude de cohorte evalue l'impact d'une ressource de LSM en ligne pour les educateurs, qui s'integre a un cours obligatoire du Baccalaureat en education (B. Ed.), sur la LSM chez les stagiaires, leur stress percu et leur efficacite vis-a-vis des pratiques inclusives. Soixante et onze stagiaires ont suivi le cours et rempli des questionnaires avant et apres l'emploi de la ressource. Les resultats ont demontre des ameliorations significatives et importantes sur les connaissances, la recherche d'aide et l'autoefficacite percue vis-a-vis des pratiques inclusives. Une amelioration de la LSM pourrait representer une approche efficace pour repondre aux exigences de l'education inclusive. Mots-cles: litteratie en sante mentale, stagiaires en formation a l'enseignement, education inclusive, autoefficacite, Introduction There are many definitions of mental health and illness. For the purposes of clarity, within this study, we use the following definitions of mental health and mental illness from [...]

It is very important to determine the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages that cause diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease in late adolescence. This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Media Literacy Scale aimed at university students. This methodological-descriptive-correlational study was conducted with 884 university students between September 2018 and December 2018. The data were collected using a socio-demographic data collection form and the Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Media Literacy Scale. Factor analysis, Cronbach's alpha, and item-total correlation were used to evaluate the data. It was determined that the scale consists of 19 items and three sub-dimensions; the three sub-dimensions explained 49.9% of the total variance. In both the explanatory and confirmatory factor analyses, all the factor loads were found to be >0.30. In confirmatory factor analysis, it was found that all of the fit indices were > 0.85 and the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) was, Author(s): Dilek Demir [sup.1] , Murat Bektas [sup.2] , Senay Demir [sup.3] , Ilknur Bektas [sup.2] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.21200.31, 0000 0001 2183 9022, Department of Pediatric Nursing, Dokuz Eylul [...]

Background Low health literacy is associated with poorer health outcomes. A key strategy to address health literacy is a universal precautions approach, which recommends using health-literate design for all health interventions, not just those targeting people with low health literacy. This approach has advantages: Health literacy assessment and tailoring are not required. However, action plans may be more effective when tailored by health literacy. This study evaluated the impact of health literacy and action plan type on unhealthy snacking for people who have high BMI or type 2 diabetes (Aim 1) and the most effective method of action plan allocation (Aim 2). Methods and findings We performed a 2-stage randomised controlled trial in Australia between 14 February and 6 June 2019. In total, 1,769 participants (mean age: 49.8 years [SD = 11.7]; 56.1% female [n = 992]; mean BMI: 32.9 kg/m.sup.2 [SD = 8.7]; 29.6% self-reported type 2 diabetes [n = 523]) were randomised to 1 of 3 allocation methods (random, health literacy screening, or participant selection) and 1 of 2 action plans to reduce unhealthy snacking (standard versus literacy-sensitive). Regression analysis evaluated the impact of health literacy (Newest Vital Sign [NVS]), allocation method, and action plan on reduction in self-reported serves of unhealthy snacks (primary outcome) at 4-week follow-up. Secondary outcomes were perceived extent of unhealthy snacking, difficulty using the plans, habit strength, and action control. Analyses controlled for age, level of education, language spoken at home, diabetes status, baseline habit strength, and baseline self-reported serves of unhealthy snacks. Average NVS score was 3.6 out of 6 (SD = 2.0). Participants reported consuming 25.0 serves of snacks on average per week at baseline (SD = 28.0). Regarding Aim 1, 398 participants in the random allocation arm completed follow-up (67.7%). On average, people scoring 1 SD below the mean for health literacy consumed 10.0 fewer serves per week using the literacy-sensitive action plan compared to the standard action plan (95% CI: 0.05 to 19.5; p = 0.039), whereas those scoring 1 SD above the mean consumed 3.0 fewer serves using the standard action plan compared to the literacy-sensitive action plan (95% CI: -6.3 to 12.2; p = 0.529), although this difference did not reach statistical significance. In addition, we observed a non-significant action plan x health literacy (NVS) interaction (b = -3.25; 95% CI: -6.55 to 0.05; p = 0.054). Regarding Aim 2, 1,177 participants across the 3 allocation method arms completed follow-up (66.5%). There was no effect of allocation method on reduction of unhealthy snacking, including no effect of health literacy screening compared to participant selection (b = 1.79; 95% CI: -0.16 to 3.73; p = 0.067). Key limitations include low-moderate retention, use of a single-occasion self-reported primary outcome, and reporting of a number of extreme, yet plausible, snacking scores, which rendered interpretation more challenging. Adverse events were not assessed. Conclusions In our study we observed nominal improvements in effectiveness of action plans tailored to health literacy; however, these improvements did not reach statistical significance, and the costs associated with such strategies compared with universal precautions need further investigation. This study highlights the importance of considering differential effects of health literacy on intervention effectiveness. Trial registration Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN12618001409268., Author(s): Julie Ayre 1, Erin Cvejic 1,2, Carissa Bonner 1, Robin M. Turner 3, Stephen D. Walter 4, Kirsten J. McCaffery 1,* Introduction Health literacy describes the cognitive and social [...]

: Introduction: Socio‐behavioural factors may contribute to the wide variance in HIV prevalence between and within sub‐Saharan African (SSA) countries. We studied the associations between socio‐behavioural variables potentially related to the risk of acquiring HIV. Methods: We used Bayesian network models to study associations between socio‐behavioural variables that may be related to HIV. A Bayesian network consists of nodes representing variables, and edges representing the conditional dependencies between variables. We analysed data from Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in 29 SSA countries between 2010 and 2016. We predefined and dichotomized 12 variables, including factors related to age, literacy, HIV knowledge, HIV testing, domestic violence, sexual activity and women's empowerment. We analysed data on men and women for each country separately and then summarized the results across the countries. We conducted a second analysis including also the individual HIV status in a subset of 23 countries where this information was available. We presented summary graphs showing associations that were present in at least six countries (five in the analysis with HIV status). Results: We analysed data from 190,273 men (range across countries 2295 to 17,359) and 420,198 women (6621 to 38,948). The two variables with the highest total number of edges in the summary graphs were literacy and rural/urban location. Literacy was negatively associated with false beliefs about AIDS and, for women, early sexual initiation, in most countries. Literacy was also positively associated with ever being tested for HIV and the belief that women have the right to ask their husband to use condoms if he has a sexually transmitted infection. Rural location was positively associated with false beliefs about HIV and the belief that beating one's wife is justified, and negatively associated with having been tested for HIV. In the analysis including HIV status, being HIV positive was associated with female‐headed household, older age and rural location among women, and with no variables among men. Conclusions: Literacy and urbanity were strongly associated with several factors that are important for HIV acquisition. Since literacy is one of the few variables that can be improved by interventions, this makes it a promising intervention target., Introduction In sub‐Saharan Africa, about 26 million people were living with HIV in 2018. HIV prevalence is high overall, but very heterogeneous between countries, ranging from under 1% in Senegal [...]

Reading can bring trials, pleasure, and even be life-changing. Some enjoy it, and others avoid it. But if more people knew how much reading could tremendously enhance their lives, would [...]

: Introduction: The ability to achieve an accurate test result and interpret it correctly is critical to the impact and effectiveness of HIV self‐testing (HIVST). Simple and easy‐to‐use devices, instructions for use (IFU) and other support tools have been shown to be key to good performance in sub‐Saharan Africa and may be highly contextual. The objective of this study was to explore the utility of cognitive interviewing in optimizing the local understanding of manufacturers’ IFUs to achieve an accurate HIVST result. Methods: Functionally literate and antiretroviral therapy‐naive participants were purposefully selected between May 2016 and June 2017 to represent intended users of HIV self‐tests from urban and rural areas in Malawi and Zambia. Participants were asked to follow IFUs for HIVST. We then conducted cognitive interviews and observed participants while they attempted to complete the HIVST steps using a structured guide, which mirrored the steps in the IFU. Qualitative data were analysed using a thematic approach. Results: Of a total of 61 participants, many successfully performed most steps in the IFU. Some had difficulties in understanding these and made errors, which could have led to incorrect test results, such as incorrect use of buffer and reading the results prematurely. Participants with lower levels of literacy and inexperience with standard pictorial images were more likely to struggle with IFUs. Difficulties tended to be more pronounced among those in rural settings. Ambiguous terms and translations in the IFU, unfamiliar images and symbols, and unclear order of the steps to be followed were most commonly linked to errors and lower comprehension among participants. Feedback was provided to the manufacturer on the findings, which resulted in further optimization of IFUs. Conclusions: Cognitive interviewing identifies local difficulties in conducting HIVST from manufacturer‐translated IFUs. It is a useful and practical methodology to optimize IFUs and make them more understandable., Introduction HIV self‐testing (HIVST) is increasingly being introduced as a testing approach recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to reach those who may not otherwise test. Key advantages of [...]

Byline: Subroto. Nandi, Nishant. Burnase, Anand. Barapatre, Pallavi. Gulhane, Sarang. Dhatrak Background: Silicosis is a known occupational lung disease prevalent among stone mine workers. It is commonly characterized by cough [...]

Rapid and accurate health literacy screening tools could assist interventions to improve care in the HIV clinic setting. Prior studies described brief screening questions for identification of persons with low health literacy, but the performance of these questions in HIV clinics is unknown. We examined the accuracy of provider perception and previously described brief screening questions for identification of low health literacy among 147 persons attending two HIV specialty clinics. Mean age was 41 and 48% were African American. Using the short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (S-TOFHLA) as reference measure, the combined prevalence of marginal and inadequate health literacy (low health literacy) was 16%. Sensitivity and specificity of provider perception for identifying persons with low health literacy were 0.47 and 0.79. The screening question 'How confident are you filling out medical forms by yourself?' had an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.67. Response of 'somewhat' to this question had sensitivity 0.30, specificity 0.91, positive likelihood ratio 3.4 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.8-6.4) and negative likelihood ratio 0.76 (95% CI 0.4-1.4). Educational attainment was a more sensitive but less specific measure of low health literacy (sensitivity 0.90, specificity 0.61 for completed high school or fewer years education), but was overall a more accurate discriminator of health literacy than either provider perception or screening questions (AUROC 0.79; p < 0.05 for comparison of AUROCs). HW providers often misjudge patients' health literacy. In the absence of rapid and accurate health literacy screening tools, clinics caring for persons with HIV/AIDS should implement clinic-wide interventions to improve health communication. DOI: 10.1089/apc.2009.0319

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships of health literacy, self-efficacy, and fetal health locus of control to health information-seeking in low-income pregnant women and the contribution from each factor alone or in combination to the variance in health information-seeking. This was a cross-sectional study of 143 English-speaking pregnant women who were recruited from a prenatal clinic and were 18 years of age or older in 2007-2008. Health literacy, self-efficacy, fetal health locus of control, and health information-seeking were measured using the Short Form of the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults, the Health Information Competence Scale, the Fetal Health Locus of Control Scale, and the Pregnancy Health Information-Seeking Scale. Health literacy was not significantly correlated with health information-seeking. Self-efficacy (r = .33) and internal fetal health locus of control (r = .27) demonstrated significant correlations with health information-seeking, and together they accounted for 15% of the variance in health information-seeking. After controlling for covariates, self-efficacy (p = .0006) and internal fetal health locus of control (p = .03) remained significantly associated with health information-seeking. In conclusion, pregnant women's characteristics, such as self-efficacy and internal fetal health locus of control belief, are associated with their health information-seeking during pregnancy. KEYWORDS information-seeking, health literacy, self-efficacy, fetal health locus of control DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2010.506152

Background: Uptake of daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States is increasing rapidly. Non-daily event-driven PrEP (ED-PrEP, or '2-1-1') also substantially reduces HIV risk and is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for MSM with more infrequent sexual behavior. In the absence of national guidelines for ED-PrEP use in the United States, it is unclear how many MSM in the U.S. are aware of, interested in, and eligible for this dosing strategy. Methods: We analyzed data from 2 independent samples of HIV-negative MSM in the U.S. First, an analytic sample of 424 MSM were drawn from RADAR, a longitudinal cohort study of >1200 young MSM in the Chicago area (current data collected October 2019 to March 2020). Second, 267 MSM were drawn from a larger U.S. national cross-sectional survey recruited via social media focused on biomedical HIV prevention (collected November 2019 to March 2020). We conducted descriptive statistics using SPSS to examine use, knowledge, and interest in ED-PrEP. We calculated eligibility for ED-PrEP based on WHO guidelines (i.e., 2 or fewer sexual encounters/week, ability to anticipate/delay sex within 2 to 24 hours of first dose). Results: Across both samples, 2.3% of MSM reported using ED-PrEP. In the U.S. national sample, 38.9% had heard of ED-PrEP, but only 18.5% knew all details of the 2-1-1 dosing method. Among current PrEP users, a substantial minority of MSM were eligible for ED-PrEP (46.7% Chicago, 30.5% U.S. national), but most preferred daily dosing (preference for ED-PrEP was 21.2% Chicago, 17.7% U.S. national). A marginally higher number of MSM who were eligible for ED-PrEP expressed preference for this method, compared to those who were ineligible. Conclusions: Although many MSM in the U.S. would be eligible for ED-PrEP based on WHO guidelines, knowledge of this strategy remains limited and most MSM report preferring daily dosing. As knowledge of ED-PrEP increases, interest will likely also grow among MSM. Thus, it is critical that national U.S. health organizations develop guidelines for ED-PrEP use and that MSM are given accurate information about how to effectively use this dosing strategy., OA07.03 M. Newcomb; D. Ryan; C. Xavier Hall; K. Macapagal and B. Mustanski Northwestern University, Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Evanston, United States https://doi.org/10.1002/jia2.25659 Please Note: [...]

The correlates of the knowledge of HIV and testing are explored in South Africa. Chi-Square analyses have shown that the frequency of testing increased with the increased level of education.

Health literacy deficits affect half the American patient population and are linked to poor health, ineffective disease management and high rates of hospitalization. Restricted literacy has also been linked with less satisfying medical visits and communication difficulties, particularly in terms of the interpersonal and informational aspects of care. Despite growing attention to these issues by researchers and policy makers, few studies have attempted to conceptualize and assess those aspects of dialogue that challenge persons with low literacy skills, i.e., the oral literacy demand within medical encounters. The current study uses videotapes and transcripts of 152 prenatal and cancer pretest genetic counseling sessions recorded with simulated clients to develop a conceptual framework to explore oral literacy demand and its consequences for medical interaction and related outcomes. Ninety-six prenatal and 81 cancer genetic counselors--broadly representative of the US National Society of Genetic Counselors--participated in the study. Key elements of the conceptual framework used to define oral literacy demand include: (1) use of unfamiliar technical terms; (2) general language complexity, reflected in the application of Microsoft Word grammar summary statistics to session transcripts; and, (3) structural characteristics of dialogue, including pacing, density, and interactivity. Genetic counselor outcomes include self-ratings of session satisfaction, informativeness, and development of rapport. The simulated clients rated their satisfaction with session communication, the counselor's effective use of nonverbal skills, and the counselor's affective demeanor during the session. Sessions with greater overall technical term use were longer and used more complex language reflected in readability indices and multi-syllabic vocabulary (measures averaging p Just as print material can be made more reader-friendly and effective following established guidelines, the medical dialogue may also be made more patient-centered and meaningful by having providers monitor their vocabulary and language, as well as the structural characteristics of interaction, thereby lowering the literacy demand of routine medical dialogue. These consequences are important for all patients but may be even more so for patients with restricted literacy. Keywords: Health literacy; Oral literacy; Patient-provider; Communication; Genetic counseling; USA

Women living in a rural Canadian county were interviewed about how they locate health information. The experiences they described raise interesting questions about the efficacy of government sponsored e-health initiatives, [...]

MyPyramid.gov, a major national Web site about healthful eating and physical activity, was analyzed for literacy, cultural, and linguistic factors relevant to consumers. The assessment used 4 standardized readability tests, 1 navigational test, availability of non-English content, and new criteria for cultural factors. Readability scores averaged between grade levels 8.8 and 10.8, and half the navigation criteria were met. The Web site was available in Spanish, but it had little cultural tailoring for English speakers. It is recommended that MyPyramid's readability, navigation, and cultural tailoring be improved. References are provided to help educators learn more about assessing and using Internet communication with diverse audiences. Key Words: Food Pyramid, MyPyramid, health literacy, nutrition, health education, internet communication

Byline: Saleh. Al-Harbi, Adel. Al-Harbi, Abdullah. Al-Khorayyef, Mansour. Al-Qwaiee, Abdullah. Al-Shamarani, Wafa. Al-Aslani, Hayat. Kamfar, Osama. Felemban, Mohammed. Barzanji, Naser. Al-Harbi, Ruqaia. Dhabab, Mohammed. Al-Omari, Abdullah. Yousef Objective: Assessing the [...]