Abstract
Individuals with chronic conditions have been faced with many additional challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Individual health literacy (HL) as the ability to access, understand, evaluate, and apply pandemic-related information has thus become ever more important in these populations. The purpose of this study was to develop and content-validate a comprehensive HL survey instrument for people with asthma based on an integrated framework, and on previous surveys and other instruments for use in the general population and vulnerable groups. Beside HL, assumed determinants, mediators, and health outcomes were embraced in the framework. A mixed-method design was used. A comprehensive examination of the available literature yielded an initial pool of 398 single items within 20 categories. Based on content validity indices (CVI) of expert ratings (n = 11) and the content analysis of cognitive interviews with participants (n = 9), the item pool was reduced, and individual items/scales refined or modified. The instrument showed appropriate comprehensibility (98.0%), was judged relevant, and had an acceptable CVI at scale level (S-CVI/Ave = 0.91). The final version comprises 14 categories measured by 38 questions consisting of 116 single items. In terms of content, the instrument appears a valid representation of behavioural and psychosocial constructs pertaining to a broad HL understanding and relevant to individuals with asthma during the COVID-19 pandemic. Regular monitoring of these behavioural and psychosocial constructs during the course of the pandemic can help identify needs as well as changes during the course of the pandemic, which is particularly important in chronic disease populations.
Highlights
In the context of the infectious coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), health literacy (HL)
The instrument appears a valid representation of behavioural and psychosocial constructs pertaining to a broad HL understanding and relevant to individuals with asthma during the COVID-19 pandemic
The present article shows that a survey instrument for use in the general population can be adapted to other specific disease populations
Summary
In the context of the infectious coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), health literacy (HL). Other constructs such as resilience and availability of social support are becoming increasingly important factors that help in coping with the crisis [1,2]. HL is the ability to find, understand, evaluate, and apply relevant health information that helps a person make health-related judgments and decisions in their everyday life [3]. HL can be understood as a psychosocial resource that contributes to maintaining quality of life and promoting health in the long term [3]. HL is considered as a decisive factor in people’s ability to adhere to infection control measures [4]. It helps individuals to access COVID-19relevant health information, recognise trustworthy sources, understand recommendations.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
