Using the “Newest Vital Sign” to Assess Health Literacy in Children

Abstract

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility, utility, and validity of using the Newest Vital Sign (NVS) tool to assess health literacy in children. MethodForty-seven parent-child dyads individually completed the NVS and a Home Literacy Environment single-item screening question (No. of children’s books in the home). ResultsThe majority (72%; n = 34) of parent-child dyads had adequate health literacy (NVS scores ≥4), with no significant differences (p = .95) between children’s NVS scores (M = 4.8, SD = 1.5) and parents (M = 4.8, SD = 1.6). A moderate, positive correlation was found between children’s and parents’ NVS scores (rs = .35, p = .017). Of note was that all of the parents (n = 4) and children (n = 6) who reported having only 10 or fewer children’s books in their homes had NVS scores less than 4, indicating inadequate health literacy. DiscussionThe NVS is a quick screening mechanism for identifying households that have adequate health literacy levels. Asking children the Home Literacy Environment single-question screening item (No. of children’s books) provided additional insight that confirmed and extended findings from the NVS.