Health Literacy for Health Behaviour Change—A Study of Cancer Survivors in Nairobi Support Groups

Abstract

With the increase of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Health literacy has emerged as a strategy in improving patient self-care behaviour resulting in reduced morbidity and mortality. As such policy documents have been developed resulting to the integration of patient education in health management systems. This study was conducted with the purpose of assessing specific ways in which health literacy has influenced health behaviour change amongst cancer survivors. Through a survey, a sample of 115 cancer survivors in Nairobi County was interviewed with the use of Semi structured questionnaires and data analyzed using SPSS. Results indicated that most of the respondents were motivated to practice health behaviour due to direct health and medical benefits. In addition, many expressed their confidence in their ability to keep up with health practices inculcated through the health literacy program. However, existing socio-economic challenges delayed the taking up of health practices. This study concluded that health literacy generally produces positive results when articulated in an environment that takes into consideration social and economic factors that could influence individual health habits.