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The relevance of context in understanding health literacy skills: Findings from a qualitative study.
- Source :
- Health Expectations; Oct2017, Vol. 20 Issue 5, p1049-1060, 12p, 4 Charts
- Publication Year :
- 2017
-
Abstract
- Background Conceptualizing health literacy as a relational concept, which involves how individuals interact with complex health and social systems, requires a greater understanding of the context of people's health experiences. Objectives To describe individuals' experiences of accessing, understanding, appraising and applying health information; explore the barriers and facilitators to using these skills; and to describe the experience of information exchange in health consultations. Design A longitudinal qualitative methodology with thematic analysis of interviews was used. Health literacy levels were assessed using the HLS- EU-47-Item Questionnaire. Findings are presented from the first round of data collection. Setting and participants Twenty-six participants purposefully selected from a CVD risk reduction programme at three separate time points. Results Four key themes identified: using health literacy capacities for managing health; psychological and structural factors that impact on these capacities; and the relationship quality with the health-care provider ( HCP). Although limited health literacy was prevalent across the sample (65%), all individuals were very proactive in attempting to utilize health literacy skills. Findings emphasize the importance of contextual factors such as the quality of communication with the health-care provider, perceptions of control, attitudes to family medical history, navigating structural barriers and being supported in managing treatment and medication side-effects. Discussion and Conclusion Findings are relevant for health-care providers in order to enhance the patient-provider relationship and to ensure optimum health outcomes for all individuals regardless of health literacy levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 13696513
- Volume :
- 20
- Issue :
- 5
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Health Expectations
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 125188965
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.12547