Health Literacy Among Young People in Africa: Evidence Synthesis

Abstract

Background Health literacy has critical health implications. Health literacy in young people is a pressing matter as it determines their current and future health. Although health literacy research is increasing, there are limited health literacy studies from Africa. The aim of this study was to provide a coherent summary and synthesis of the available health literacy studies among young people in Africa. Methods A systematic scoping review was chosen to attain the aim of this study. PubMed, CINAHL, AJOL, JBI EBP, EBSCO, and Google Scholar were searched for evidence. Based on JBI’s methodology for reviews, a three-step search strategy was employed. The search was conducted up to April 20, 2022. The PRISMA flow diagram guideline was used to ensure a transparent reporting of the review process. Results The search for evidence identified 386 records, of which 53 were selected and their full texts were assessed for eligibility. Nine studies matched the eligibility criteria. The main findings of the eligible studies are: health literacy levels, association between health literacy and health outcomes, and predictors of health literacy among young people. Low health literacy was common among young people, and there was a significant association between low health literacy and negative health outcomes among this group. Health literacy among young people was impacted by a wide range of socio-demographic factors. Conclusion Health literacy studies among young people in Africa were rare. Although the reviewed studies shed some light on health literacy levels, the association between health literacy and health outcomes, and the predictors of health literacy among young people, they may not give an accurate picture of health literacy among young people, for several reasons. Both primary and secondary health literacy studies are needed to fully understand the issue, and to develop and guide policies and interventions in Africa.

Hypertension Related Co-Morbidities and Complications in Women of Sub-Saharan Africa: A Brief Review

“…However, within SSA, the translation of this knowledge into clinical practice for therapeutic and preventative strategies has been notably lacking. Significant knowledge gaps persist about the repercussions of hypertension in SSA, largely due to barriers including limited access to health care, 10 lack of health care infrastructure, 11 lack of screening programs, 12 demographic factors, 13 low health literacy, 14 the specter of stigma, 15 and the impact of cultural beliefs. 16 These barriers may contribute to the exacerbation and progression of hypertension and HDP, ultimately leading to a high incidence of CVD, organ damage, or death.…”

“…Several studies indicate that 44% to 93% of individuals within SSA are unaware of their hypertensive status. 2,6,8,9 This phenomenon underscores a labyrinth of barriers, including limited access to health care, 10 lack of health care infrastructure, 11 lack of screening programs, 12 demographic factors, 13 low health literacy, 14 the specter of stigma, 15 and the impact of cultural beliefs 16 (Figure 2). Potential solutions may involve utilizing telemedicine and mobile health services to expand medical access to remote regions.…”

Intersectionality on the perception of health in two cross-national surveys (WVS and EVS)

“…Finally, we would like to mention the strengths and limitations of this study, both of which are related to the sample used. It is a very large and open sample, but there is little representation from the African continent, which can be explained by the limitations of the survey instrument in countries with low levels of health literacy, especially in rural areas and hard-to-reach populations [ [56] , [57] , [58] ]. Likewise, in very large countries such as the United States, Russia, China or Australia, the sample provides a homogeneous view that is far from reality.…”

An Intersectional Analysis of Gender-Specific Barriers to Adolescent Health Literacy in South Africa

“…Health literacy empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being, enabling them to understand health-related information and access and utilize healthcare services (Amanu et al, 2023a). Adolescence is a critical stage in which young people undergo emotional, physical, and cognitive transformations, as well as adopt habits and attitudes that will shape their health outcomes in the future (Sodi et al, 2022;Viner et al, 2012).…”