Significance and challenges of assessing health literacy among migrants

Abstract

Abstract Background People with a migration background account for a large part of the population in many European countries. Although health literacy - knowledge, motivation, and competencies to process health information - is a key determinant of health, research on health literacy specifically among migrants in Europe is scarce. The aim is therefore to review and further develop the concept and assessment of migrant-specific health literacy for future use in a migrant health literacy survey (HLS-MIG) in Germany. Methods A literature search in Pubmed was performed in April 2019 to identify studies regarding health literacy, health outcomes and knowledge among migrant populations in Europe. A special focus was put on the conceptualization and operationalization of health literacy among migrants. Results So far, health literacy among migrants has mostly been measured using general health literacy measurement tools, that is, performance-based and self-assessment instruments as the HLS-EU-Q. Migration-specific competences, such as finding information about health in mother tongue, or outcomes of deficient HL have so far received little attention, except for e.g. the GMK-12, developed as a complement to the HLS-EU-Q16 in the Austrian context. Conclusions The use of performance-based instruments in the local language primarily provides information about existing linguistic deficits, but hardly on competencies and abilities in dealing with health information. General self-assessment tools, on the other hand, allow the identification of such competences, difficulties and challenges. However, it is necessary to take greater account of migration-specific competences, habits and obstacles in the future, in order to develop tailored interventions for individuals and organizational aspects, supporting health information processing among migrants. Furthermore, studies also need to pay attention to migrant specific health problems and prerequisites. Key messages Research focussing on migrant health literacy is scarce. More attention needs to be paid to migrant specific competencies, habits and challenges.