Inclusive, needs-based research for addressing Health Literacy in Parents with immigrant backgrounds

Abstract

Abstract Research indicates that parental health literacy is associated with child health outcomes. A 2021 study by the Norwegian Public Health Department found that certain immigrant groups struggle with health literacy due to language barriers, cultural differences in understanding of health and illness, and unfamiliarity with the Norwegian health system and services. To reduce differences in health literacy and better support parents with immigrant backgrounds to make health promoting choices for their children, and navigate the Norwegian health and social systems effectively, we need knowledge about their resources, challenges, and needs. This knowledge makes it possible to design strategies to promote parental health literacy and make health services more responsive to the needs of the population. Optimising health literacy amongst parents with immigrant backgrounds (OPAL) is a research collaboration between Oslo Metropolitan University and the Bjerke City District, one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse districts in Oslo. Applying the Optimising Health Literacy and Access (Ophelia) process, parents health professionals, and researchers work systematically together to develop knowledge of parents’ health literacy, identify priority areas for research, design and implement effective solutions in primary health care. In this presentation, we will describe how OPAL is rooted in the strategic priorities of the city district, how the project applies methods for needs identification and involves users and stakeholders at all stages. We will share experiences from planning and conducting inclusive data collection, preliminary results and describe how results will be used in development of targeted health literacy actions.