Health Literacy of the Inland Population in Mitigation Phase 3.2 of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Portugal: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> COVID-19 is a respiratory disease transmitted through respiratory droplets and has a high transmission rate. There is still no effective and approved antiretroviral treatment or vaccine, so preventative measures remain the key to contain this pandemic. Portugal is now in phase 3.2 of the mitigation of COVID-19, with it being imperative to understand the health literacy of our country and prevent a lack of information through community empowerment. <b><i>Material and Methods:</i></b> A cross-sectional study with a sample from a primary care facility was conducted. We collected demographic and epidemiological data and carried out a questionnaire by phone call. Descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests were used to assess associations between the independent variables and the level of health literacy. The level of significance was set at <i>p</i> < 0.05. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Our sample included 222 subjects (median age 62 years), mostly females (<i>n</i> = 131), undergraduates (<i>n</i> = 193), and with at least 1 risk factor for COVID-19 (<i>n</i> = 144). Overall, younger individuals, females, graduates and the nonrisk group appeared to have higher levels of health literacy, with some exceptions. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> We observed a well-informed population. However, it being a pandemic situation, our intention was to identify and correct outliers/misconceptions. This work allowed a perspective of the current state/pattern of health literacy as well as its possible predictors. Furthermore, it raised awareness of the relevance of specific communication approaches. Further studies to understand the predictors of health literacy are necessary.

Education as a Predictor Factor for Knowledge of COVID-19 in Portugal

“…[…] By improving people’s access to health information, and their capacity to use it effectively, health literacy is critical to empowerment” ( 14 ). Indeed, HL is a multilayered concept, and the ability to obtain, understand and use the information to make free and informed decisions about the health of an individual ( 31 , 33 ). Besides, HL plays a major role in community empowerment: a higher degree of HL means an individual proactive in preventive individual and community medicine and in effectively advocating political leaders and policymakers ( 15 , 34 ).…”

“…The final decisions were made by consensus of the authors of this article. The pilot questionnaire was applied to a group of patients to verify its comprehension and adequacy, and also the average time required to answer the questions, and a preliminary study was conducted with a smaller sample ( 31 ). The final questionnaire was applied using an online platform and divulging it through social media.…”

The mediating role of product judgment and country of origin effect on health literacy and behavioral intention: A study on COVID-19 vaccines perception of Turkish consumers

“…The recent studies on health literacy have been mostly about vaccine hesitancy, the attitude toward the vaccines and the anti-vaccination movement 18 , 20 , 21 measured the health literacy level for vaccines and determined that young women with at least a bachelor’s degree had the highest literacy level. 22 Another study by Patil 20 was conducted on students in the USA and examined the effect of the level of information, access, and attitudes of students on health literacy and digital health literacy. The results of the study show a relationship between high digital health literacy have the tendency to access and use information, and vaccine acceptance rates.…”