Health literacy among Iranian adults: findings from a nationwide population-based survey in 2015

Abstract

Background: Health literacy is one of the most important determinants of noncommunicable diseases prevention. Health literacy is associated with elevated risks for poorer access to care, adverse health outcomes, and increased hospitalization and health costs. Aims: This study aimed to determine the level of health literacy among the general adult population in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Methods: Using a cross-sectional study during 2014-2015 with a multistage cluster sampling approach, we administered a pilot-tested standardized questionnaire to assess different domains of health literacy (i.e., reading, comprehension, communication/decision-making and Interpretation/judgment skills, individual and social empowerment, health information access and health information use) among 8439 (3935 males) individuals aged 18-60 years. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics and multivariable linear regression method using SPSS (20) were applied to identify the factors associated with health literacy among Iranian adults. Results: The mean health literacy level was 10.2±3.8 (out of 20). Only 18% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 17.15-18.78) of the participants had adequate health literacy, while 45.7% (95% CI: 44.64-46.78) had inadequate, and the 36.3% (95% CI: 35.21-37.33) had moderate health literacy. In the adjusted linear regression model, education level (the smallest β = 4.35, P < 0.001), age (β = 0.01, P = 0.002), female sex (β = 0.45, P < 0.001), residency in rural areas (β = 0.26, P < 0.001) and having permanent job (β = 1.03, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with more health literacy. Conclusion: Our findings highlighted that the Iranian adult population has an insufficient level of health literacy, which calls for comprehensive education planning to improve the levels, with special attention to certain subpopulations (e.g. illiterate populations) and domains (e.g. individual empowerment).

Oral Health Literacy among Public University Undergraduate Students and Associated Factors

“…Additionally, a female student was known to be superior in accessing health information, reporting health issue, seeking health care and navigating healthcare system. 27 Likewise, male will actively seek health information when in need, especially when they are ill or persuaded by their family members or friends. 28,29 A current study found that a student whose father had a higher education level was most likely to have higher oral health literacy.…”

Iran health insurance system in transition: equity concerns and steps to achieve universal health coverage

“…Iran’s population is young, and almost one-third of the population is less than 15 years old, and only about 5% are over 60 years. According to the last survey (2015), the mean health literacy level in Iran was 10.2±3.8 (out of 20) [ 21 ].…”

Health literacy and its predictors among urban and rural adults in Bijar County

“…[ 13 ] A study conducted among the Isfahan population showed that 8.8% of people had adequate HL, 11.6% had marginal HL, and 15.5% had insufficient HL,[ 14 ] and findings from a nationwide population-based survey in Iran showed that the Iranian adult population has an insufficient level of HL. [ 15 ]…”

“…Previous studies showed that HL can be predicted by gender, age, race/ethnicity, and level of education,[ 16 17 ] and nationwide population-based survey in Iran showed that education level, age, female sex, residency in rural areas, and having permanent were significantly associated with more HL. [ 15 ]…”