Investigating the status of health literacy among health providers of rural area

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor of Health Education and Promotion, Health Sciences Research center, Department of Health Education and Promotion, school of health, Mashhad University of Medical, Iran

2 MSc student in Health Education & Health Promotion, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad, Iran

Abstract

Background and objective: The health literacy is known as a critical indicator of the results and the cost of health care. Having adequate health literacy is required for health care system. Health literacy in health care can be an important factor in decision-making and how they function in the health system to improve public health should be considered. This study aimed to assess health literacy, among health providers of rural area under health centers support in khaf.
Methods: 43 health providers of rural area were studied by a cross sectional study. To collect data, demographic and health literacy assessment (TOFHLA) questionnaire were used. The validity and reliability of internal and external studies determined. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.
Results: the mean age of the study subject was 40/32 years,69/8% female and 30/2%male. Average health literacy score in health providers was 86/54. Pearson correlation coefficient between the components of health literacy in the study sample showed high correlation (p<0/001).In this study, there wasn’t a statistically significant association between the educational level, age, gender and health literacy status.
Conclusion: According to the study, the average level of health literacy and related components among health providers was inadequate. Though, It is necessary to pay more attention to health literacy through health promotion programs.
Paper Type: Research Article.

Keywords

References

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