Access To Health Information Research Articles

Understanding The Role Of Health Literacy In Self-Medication: Findings From A Cross-Sectional Study In West Godavari District Of Andhra Pradesh

Background: Self-medication is the practice of treating any ailment or symptom that a person diagnoses for themselves without first visiting a physician. Different communities display different behaviours; hence the purpose of this study is to statistically investigate the patterns and prevalence of self-medication usage. Although health literacy practices have been increasingly recommended in public health literature, there is a lack of studies that examine the relationships between health literacy and self-medication. Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional, community-based research approach was used in a sample of 316 participants. Health literacy was measured by Single Item Literacy Screener. Data was analysed using SPSS 29.0 version. Results: A total of 316 participants agreed to participate (63.9% were females). The results showed that more than half, 53.4% had adequate health literacy. The prevalence of self-medication was 74%, in these 52% had used medicines by previous prescription and 8% used alternative medicine. There was a significant relationship between the overall health literacy level and practice of self-medication. Conclusion: Improving the health literacy level of the public can reduce inappropriate self-medication Therefore, the design and implementation of training programs are necessary to increase the perception on the risk of self-medication. Appropriate reading skills are important for accessing health information, using health care services, and achieving desirable health outcomes.

HEALTH EDUCATION ON INSTAGRAM: HELP OR HYPE?

<p>In recent years, Instagram has become the most popular tool among professional doctors in Azerbaijan for educating their patients. The use of the Instagram application aims to raise patients' awareness of the importance of taking care of their health and to increase their knowledge about their health conditions using modern services. This research aimed to evaluate the efficacy and quality of medical content on Instagram as a health education tool. We conducted a survey to collect anonymous data from more than 205 respondents and summarized the following points. It included both closed-ended questions involving Likert scales. Students received a request to take part in the study by email from the researchers. The survey consisted of a series of questions related to Instagram usage for health information, perceived benefits, and content preferences. 65% of the respondents were already obtaining health information from Instagram before participating in the study. 15.1% of them frequently visit Instagram for health information while 5% had found the health information accessed there harmful. 71% of respondents think accessing health information in this way is beneficial but that the quality and usefulness of the content are average. 95% of respondents reported that the health information they obtained from the identical platform was not causing them any harm.<strong> </strong>The medical information shared on Instagram is generally considered useful and beneficial by the population, but it is desirable to improve the quality of the content.<strong></strong></p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0032/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

TINJAUAN HAK AKSES PEREKAM MEDIS DAN INFORMASI KESEHATAN TERHADAP DATA REKAM MEDIS ELEKTRONIK DI RUMAH SAKIT MEDIKA DRAMAGA BOGOR

Medical record access rights are the use and utilization of medical records that may only be carried out by parties who have permission for medical record data in the security and protection of electronic medical record data service facility leaders grant access rights to health workers in health care facilities the purpose of this study was to determine access rights for medical recorders and health information to electronic medical record data at the medika dramaga bogor hospital. This research method uses a qualitative descriptive method with data collection techniques in the form of observation and interviews. The sample in this study were 10 medical recorders and health information.The results of the study that standard operating procedures related to access rights are available but not yet valid and signed by the leadership of the medika dramaga bogor hospital, then regarding the implementation of pmik access rights to electronic medical record data already referring to permenkes number 24 of 2022 and PMIK problems or obstacle in accessing electronic medical record data is the exchange of information between officers regarding user id and passwords which has an impact on patient data security in the event of abuse of access rights.
 
 Keywords: access rights, medical recorders and health information, electronic medical record data

Patients’ perceptions of patient-centered communication with healthcare providers and associated factors in Japan – The INFORM Study 2020

ObjectiveTo describe patients’ perceptions of the patient-centeredness of their communication with healthcare providers in Japan, and to examine factors associated with these perceptions. MethodsWe analyzed the cross-sectional data from the INFORM Study 2020, which is a nationwide survey on health information access in Japan. A total of 3605 respondents completed the survey. Our primary outcome was the nine elements of the patient-centered communication scale (PCCS), which was compiled from 2703 respondents (75.0%) reporting at least one provider visit within 12 months. It was rated on a four-point Likert scale: always, usually, sometimes, and never. We used binary logistic regression to examine the association between sociodemographic and health-related variables, and each element of the PCCS. ResultsFor all elements, the percentage of respondents who agreed that their healthcare providers always communicated in a patient-centered way was low (17–31%). Patients with higher age, higher education, poorer general health status and a larger number of visits to providers in the previous 12 months were more likely to have positive perception. ConclusionPatient-centered communication as reported in a national sample in Japan was low. Clinical implicationsEfforts are needed to improve the patient-centeredness of patient-provider communication in Japan to optimize health outcomes.

Chatbots in Health Care: Connecting Patients to Information

Why Is This an Issue?
 
 Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used in health care settings. Chatbots geared toward patient use are becoming more widely available, but the clinical evidence of their effectiveness remains limited.
 
 What Is the Technology?
 
 AI-based chatbots are computer programs or software applications that have been designed to engage in simulated conversation with humans using humanlike language.
 Chatbots can help humans save time and allow them to focus on more high-level creative or strategic thinking by taking over more routine or repetitive tasks, such as automated customer service chats, appointments, or staff scheduling.
 
 What Is the Potential Impact?
 
 Anyone with access to an internet-enabled computer or a smartphone could use these chatbots to access health information.
 Chatbots can provide patients with 24/7 access to health information, such as symptom assessment, supportive information, medication reminders, or appointment scheduling, allowing access to information when health care providers are unavailable. There appear to be trends toward efficacy and user satisfaction, but the evidence to support the clinical effectiveness of chatbots in health care is still being established.
 Existing health care chatbots are mostly free for patients to access, although some developers and health care providers charge fees to access additional features or content. Some apps may be prescribed to patients by providers. These could be covered by insurance or licensed to health care providers by the developer.
 
 What Else Do We Need to Know?
 
 Ethical and data privacy issues remain top of mind when considering the widespread implementation of chatbots for patient use in health care settings.
 ChatGPT and other AI tools that were not developed specifically for health care do not necessarily provide the level of data privacy that is required of health care information. They are also trained on historical datasets and do not provide responses based on the most current clinical recommendations or health data.
 The development of AI-specific ethical frameworks could facilitate safer and more consistent development of AI tools in health care by preventing the misuse of AI technologies and minimizing the spread of misinformation.
 AI tools still require human oversight in terms of moderation and troubleshooting.

Exploring online health information seeking and sharing among older adults: a mini-review about acceptance, potentials, and barriers.

Online health information seeking (OHIS) is understood by health care, health promotion, and disease prevention experts as a resource for healthy aging. It is particularly relevant for older adults since this population can benefit significantly from the accessibility and convenience of online health platforms and health information. Nevertheless, empirical findings regarding the acceptance, potentials, and barriers of OHIS among older adults are limited. This mini-review aims to explore the level of acceptance of OHIS, including passive reading of information and active interactions with peers, among the older population. Furthermore, it examines the potentials and barriers associated with such practices. The findings ultimately emphasize the evolving landscape of internet health information exploration among older adults and the potential advantages and challenges that may arise, especially in the context of active interactions with peers.

The Impact of Social Determinants of Health on Australian Women's Capacity to Access and Understand Health Information: A Secondary Analysis of the 2022 National Women's Health Survey.

The ability to access, understand, judge, and use health information is crucial for making informed decisions about health and optimal health outcomes. This secondary data analysis investigated associations between social determinants of health and Australian women's ability to access and understand health information using data from 10,652 women who responded to the 2022 National Women's Health Survey. A score (0-5) was created based on five questions assessing the participants' ability to access and understand health information, which was dichotomised into low (≤3) and high (≥4) scores. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, univariate comparisons, and multivariable binary logistic regression. Almost a quarter of the women had a low score. Non-native English speakers were approximately four times more likely to have low health literacy than native English speakers. Additionally, women without tertiary education, financially disadvantaged women, and First Nations women were almost twice as likely to have lower health literacy than other women. These findings suggest that social determinants of health decrease the capacity to access and understand health information. To reduce health inequalities, healthcare systems and health professionals must consider the factors that reduce women's capacity to access and understand health information and address the health information needs of socioeconomically disadvantaged women.

Rosie, a Health Education Question-and-Answer Chatbot for New Mothers: Randomized Pilot Study.

Stark disparities exist in maternal and child outcomes and there is a need to provide timely and accurate health information. In this pilot study, we assessed the feasibility and acceptability of a health chatbot for new mothers of color. Rosie, a question-and-answer chatbot, was developed as a mobile app and is available to answer questions about pregnancy, parenting, and child development. From January 9, 2023, to February 9, 2023, participants were recruited using social media posts and through engagement with community organizations. Inclusion criteria included being aged ≥14 years, being a woman of color, and either being currently pregnant or having given birth within the past 6 months. Participants were randomly assigned to the Rosie treatment group (15/29, 52% received the Rosie app) or control group (14/29, 48% received a children's book each month) for 3 months. Those assigned to the treatment group could ask Rosie questions and receive an immediate response generated from Rosie's knowledgebase. Upon detection of a possible health emergency, Rosie sends emergency resources and relevant hotline information. In addition, a study staff member, who is a clinical social worker, reaches out to the participant within 24 hours to follow up. Preintervention and postintervention tests were completed to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate Rosie and describe changes across key health outcomes, including postpartum depression and the frequency of emergency room visits. These measurements were used to inform the clinical trial's sample size calculations. Of 41 individuals who were screened and eligible, 31 (76%) enrolled and 29 (71%) were retained in the study. More than 87% (13/15) of Rosie treatment group members reported using Rosie daily (5/15, 33%) or weekly (8/15, 53%) across the 3-month study period. Most users reported that Rosie was easy to use (14/15, 93%) and provided responses quickly (13/15, 87%). The remaining issues identified included crashing of the app (8/15, 53%), and users were not satisfied with some of Rosie's answers (12/15, 80%). Mothers in both the Rosie treatment group and control group experienced a decline in depression scores from pretest to posttest periods, but the decline was statistically significant only among treatment group mothers (P=.008). In addition, a low proportion of treatment group infants had emergency room visits (1/11, 9%) compared with control group members (3/13, 23%). Nonetheless, no between-group differences reached statistical significance at P<.05. Rosie was found to be an acceptable, feasible, and appropriate intervention for ethnic and racial minority pregnant women and mothers of infants owing to the chatbot's ability to provide a personalized, flexible tool to increase the timeliness and accessibility of high-quality health information to individuals during a period of elevated health risks for the mother and child. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06053515; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06053515.

Development of a mobile health information application for immigrant women in South Korea

PurposeThe primary objective was to develop a user-centered mobile health application (app) tailored to the specific health information needs of among immigrant women from diverse backgrounds in Korea.Design/methodology/approachIn-depth interviews were conducted with 24 immigrant women to gain insights into their health information-seeking behavior. Based on the findings, a mobile app was designed and developed. A beta version of the app underwent validation by an MD and seven expert reviewers who assessed the app for content accuracy and conformance to mobile heuristics. Last, immigrant women (n = 12) evaluated the usability of the app.FindingsThe study revealed that the interviewed immigrant women had strong health information needs related to pregnancy and parenting. Most of them used multiple sources to find and verify health information. Language barriers were identified as a major obstacle to accessing and evaluating health information. The results of the user test indicated that the app effectively facilitated study participants' search for reliable health information, meeting their specific needs.Research limitations/implicationsThis research extended the literature by addressing the limited availability of mobile apps tailored to the health information needs of immigrant women in Korea.Originality/valueBy incorporating multilingual support and focusing on pregnancy and parenting information, the health app serves as a valuable tool to bridge the gap in health information access and to facilitate the well-being of immigrant women in the country.

Integration of Chatgpt and E-Health Literacy: Opportunities, Challenges, and a Look Towards the Future

Context: The integration of ChatGPT and e-health literacy, as an innovative approach to improving the accessibility and quality of healthcare services, offers the potential to strengthen access to health information and health decision-making. This integration helps individuals understand, analyze, and interpret health information more deeply while building a broad health profile. However, the potential risk of ChatGPT misdiagnosing diseases or providing inaccurate information could cause misleading guidance and prevent users from accessing information. Moreover, a ChatGPT-based system could restrict individuals' capacity to supervise and decipher their health records. Thus, while the integration of ChatGPT and e-health literacy holds promise to improve the accessibility and quality of health services, adverse aspects, such as the risk of providing misleading information and reducing user autonomy, should also be considered. Evidence Acquisition: This study provides insight into the potential, challenges, and prospects of integrating ChatGPT and e-health literacy into health services. Thus, the implication of the integration and the development of strategies for helping users better manage their health information can be explored in greater depth. Related articles on the topic were reviewed from the literature, and the results were interpreted. Results: The integration of ChatGPT with eHealth literacy harbors significant potential for substantially enhancing the accessibility and quality of health services. Using ChatGPT in health services can increase eHealth literacy, especially in health information access and health-related decision-making processes. Conclusions: In conclusion, the integration of ChatGPT and eHealth literacy carries considerable potential to improve the accessibility and quality of health services. This integration allows individuals to comprehend health data more efficiently and interpret the results more accurately.

Navigating Pregnancy: Information Sources and Lifestyle Behavior Choices-A Narrative Review.

Background: Accessible health information during pregnancy is important to positively affect maternal and fetal health. However, the quality and accuracy of health information can greatly vary across numerous sources. This narrative review is aimed at summarizing the literature on pregnant individuals' information sources and how these sources influence their habits toward GWG, PA, and nutrition. Such data will highlight preferences and needs, reveal challenges, and identify opportunities for improvement. Methods: We searched PubMed for studies published in the last decade. Out of 299 studies initially identified, 20 (16 quantitative and four qualitative) met the eligibility criteria (investigating information sources and their influence on health habits toward GWG, PA, nutrition, pregnant participants, adequate data reporting, and being available in full text). Results: Primary sources of health information varied. The Internet (26%-97%) and healthcare providers (HCPs) (14%-74%) predominated, followed by family/friends (12%71%), books/magazines (49%-65%), and guidelines/brochures (25%-53%). Despite the widespread use of the Internet, HCPs were considered the most reliable source. The use of the Internet to retrieve health information was reported to be 2-4 h a week, and < 50% discussed the online information with their HCP. The Internet was also used as a supplementary resource on topics raised by HCPs. Regarding the influence on health habits, the Internet, HCPs, media, and family positively influenced GWG and promoted adherence to recommended guidelines (OR = 0.55-15.5). Only one study showed a positive association between Internet use and PA level. The Internet, media, HCPs, and information brochures were associated with better adherence to nutritional recommendations. Conclusions: Pregnant individuals relied on the Internet and HCP, with a preference for the Internet despite trust in midwives. Several sources of health information were positively associated with adherence to GWG and nutrition recommendations. Improving the quality of online information should be a priority for policymakers and health authorities.

Mobile application: digital health card for deaf adolescents.

To develop a mobile health application (mHealth) accessible to deaf adolescents, based on their health card, promoting autonomy to the access to the user's health information. This was a methodological study, divided into three stages: a questionnaire to understand the knowledge of deaf adolescents about the health card, and development of the application using videos in Brazilian Sign Language Libras, Android Studio platform with Java language, and evaluation of the application. Most deaf adolescents were not aware of the health card. The application has two interface modes: male and female card, with the particularities of each sex. Furthermore, user's data security is carried out in accordance with the Brazilian General Data Protection Law. The application received a score of 85.5 from experts, being classified as "good" to "excellent" in terms of usability. The application provides information from the health card in text and video in Libras, according to the selected sex, promoting adolescents' autonomy in accessing health information. Future implementations may include expansion to other mobile platforms.

Protocol for the co-design of an online support service for adults with hearing loss.

Untreated hearing loss is reported to negatively impact on an individual's quality of life, affecting their psychological and physical health and placing them at greater risk of developing dementia. Despite this, hearing loss management is often delayed by up to a decade. This is likely due to difficulties in navigating the hearing care pathway, and the absence of a central, unbiased reference point for consumer-friendly hearing health information and resources. We intend to co-design an online support service for adults with hearing loss with the following aims: 1) to understand unmet needs and consumer barriers to accessing hearing health information, 2) to identify solutions to these unmet needs that can be developed into prototype ideas, 3) to incrementally build on iterations of a prototype until a usable online support service is developed and ready for real-life testing with end-users, and 4) to test and evaluate the usability, accessibility, and effectiveness of the prototype from the consumer's perspective, so that the prototype can be refined into the final product. This will be a mixed method study. Consumers will be involved in all stages of the design of the project following the Hasso Plattner model of design thinking. The qualitative component will involve sprints and semi-structured interviews to access the consumer perspective and understand unmet needs and challenges regarding the access of online hearing health information. For the quantitative component, an online survey will be administered prior to prototype testing as part of the remote usability study to collect self-efficacy and eHealth literacy outcome measures via validated questionnaires. Data collection will also be performed post-prototype testing for evaluation purposes. Finally, heuristic evaluation of the prototype will be conducted by an eLearning expert to help refine the prototype into the final product.

Did those most vulnerable to COVID-19 in the U.S. receive timely and accessible public health information?

Did those most vulnerable to COVID-19 in the U.S. receive timely and accessible public health information?

Experiences of Non-Nursing College Students in Accessing Health Information Online

Background: With the rapid growth of information and communication technology, the Internet has become a prevalent platform for seeking health information globally, with the Philippines ranking 10th in Internet usage. Hence, understanding the experiences of college students in accessing and evaluating such information is crucial. Objective: This study aimed to explore the lived experience of non-nursing college students with their health information-seeking behaviour and perceptions of source credibility on the internet. Methods: This study used a qualitative research design utilizing a phenomenological approach. Semi-structured interviews were used with sixteen (16) non-nursing participants through a purposive sampling technique. Colaizzi's method was employed for data analysis with the aid of in vivo software. Results: The following were the emergent themes: (1) experiences and behaviours related to seeking health information online; (2) challenges and preferences in seeking health information online; (3) the impact of online health information on healthcare decisions; and (4) the credibility of online health information sources. Conclusion: The study's findings highlight the convenience, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness of online platforms as significant factors driving the use of the Internet for health information among non-nursing college students. However, they face challenges like information overload, conflicting sources, accuracy concerns, technical language barriers, and the risks of self-diagnosis. Hence, the study emphasised the need to enhance information filtering, promote information literacy, ensure localised information, and improve accessibility and clarity.

COVID-19 led to an increased online search interest for "urticaria"

Background/Aim: Google Trends is a powerful tool for health information access and disease surveillance, including COVID-19 data forecasting. Cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 include urticarial rash, which is multifactorial and may indicate a better prognosis. Aim of this study was to analyse the search queries for the term "urticaria" during the six years period (2017-2022) and assess the relationship between relative search volume (RSV) and a global rise in COVID-19 cases. Methods: This study examined search queries for "urticaria" from 2017 to 2022, exploring the relationship between RSV and global COVID-19 cases. Data on "urticaria" search volume in various countries were collected using Google Trends. Microsoft Excel and correlation analysis were used to analyse the data and investigate the association between search volume and monthly COVID-19 case rise. Results: During 2017-2019, the mean RSV for "urticaria" was 69.9 ± 10.1, which increased to 84.1 ± 8.6 during 2020-2022. The difference in means was statistically significant (p &lt; 0.001). The mean RSV in 2022 (94.3) was the highest among all years studied. The increase in RSV from 2020 to 2022 moderately correlated (r = 0.56) with monthly COVID-19 case rise (p &lt; 0.001). Nicaragua showed the highest search interest, while Africa, North America, Asia and Pacific, the Middle East and Europe had low search interest. Conclusions: This study identified a significant increase in search volume for "urticaria" during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nicaragua had the highest search interest, while English-speaking countries displayed low interest. Language variation, cultural differences and COVID-19-related health concerns may influence public interest in urticaria. These findings can aid public health officials in understanding public health concerns and tailoring effective health communication strategies.

The Information Needs and Seeking Behavior of Elderly Patients in Educational and Therapeutic Hospitals: Unveiling Barriers to Information Accessibility

Background: With the aging population on the rise, it becomes increasingly important for healthcare providers and policymakers to grasp the preferences of elderly patients when it comes to seeking health information. Such understanding can pave the way for tailored interventions aimed at enhancing health literacy and encouraging healthy behaviors among older adults. Objectives: This study sought to investigate the information needs and seeking behavior of elderly patients in educational and therapeutic hospitals while also identifying the barriers that hinder these patients’ access to relevant information sources. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 200 older adults who were hospitalized in educational and therapeutic hospitals in Sari, located in northern Iran, within 2018 to 2020. The data collection tool consisted of a researcher-made questionnaire with four sections: demographic information, health information needs, health information-seeking behavior (HISB), and barriers to finding information. The questionnaire’s reliability was validated, and the chi-square test was employed to explore the association between demographic variables and barriers to information retrieval. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 24). Results: The key demographic characteristics influencing HISB among older patients included age (70 - 79 years), gender (female), educational level (illiterate), and employment status (housewife). The primary health information needs of older patients encompassed staying updated with current health news, seeking information from nurses and allied healthcare staff, and encountering obstacles in accessing information due to a lack of internet literacy. The most pronounced associations between demographics and HISB among older patients were observed in educational level, employment status, and reliance on newspapers and magazines. Moreover, significant associations existed between age groups and seeking support from groups, family, relatives, and friends in addition to using brochures, books, internet resources, short message service (SMS), and radio/television. Conclusions: Elderly patients often encounter challenges in accessing health information due to their limited internet skills. To assist older adults in navigating and utilizing the Internet more effectively, it is crucial to identify trustworthy online sources and bolster their confidence in using the Internet. Healthcare professionals can contribute to the well-being of older adult patients by providing access to current health news, delivering educational programs tailored to individuals with lower levels of education, and offering alternative sources of information for patients who lack internet access.

“THE ONLY WAY FOR US TO STAY SAFE IS TO HIDE”: THE EXPERIENCES OF OLDER CHINESE IMMIGRANTS DURING COVID-19 IN NYC

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected older adults, who were at heightened risk for COVID-19 morbidity and mortality, as well as social isolation. Challenges to accessing health information and vaccine resources were amplified among older immigrants due to language barriers, lack of established social networks, and experiences of systemic discrimination. Considering the surge of anti-Asian violence across the country and the high-profile violent incidents targeting Asian older adults, our analysis focuses on the lived experiences of older Chinese immigrants during the pandemic in New York City (NYC). To describe the support needed during the pandemic to inform service delivery, we conducted in-depth interviews with 9 low-income Chinese adults over 65 about their experiences in coping with COVID-19. Interviews were transcribed and subjected to inductive thematic analysis. Results show that driven by the pro-vaccination and science norms in China, participants shared an overall positive attitude towards vaccines and exhibited extraordinary resilience to COVID-misinformation. However, COVID-19 and anti-Asian violence amplified each other. Fear of contracting COVID-19 due to perceived age-related vulnerability and fear of anti-Asian violence were prevalent, leading to self-protective withdrawal and deferred health care. Many expressed concerns about traveling to public places alone. Deeply frustrated with the government’s role in controlling violent crimes, some participants decided to stay home indefinitely to evade trouble. Mechanisms to draw out people who have socially withdrawn are needed. Senior service providers in NYC should initiate discussions about perceived safety and implement peer buddy systems to enhance post-pandemic quality of life for Asian older adults.

Quality Assessment of Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy Information on the Internet.

Patient education is a key element of spinal surgery informed consent. Patients frequently access health information online, yet this information is unregulated and of variable quality. We aimed to assess the quality of information available on degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) websites with a focus on identifying high-quality information websites. We performed a Google search using keywords pertaining to DCM. The top 50 websites returned were classified based on their publication source, intended audience, and country of origin. The quality of these websites was assessed using both the DISCERN instrument and Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria. We also utilized a novel Myelopathy Information Scoring Tool (MIST) to assess the comprehensiveness, accuracy, and detail of online DCM information. The mean DISCERN score was 39.9 out of 80. Only one-quarter of these websites were rated "good" or "excellent" using DISCERN, and the remaining were rated "very poor," "poor," and "fair." The mean JAMA benchmark score was 1.6 out of 4, with 23 out of 50 websites scoring 0. Evaluation using MIST found a mean score of 25.6 out of 50. Using 30 points as a satisfactory MIST cutoff, 72% of DCM websites were deemed critically deficient and unsatisfactory for comprehensive patient education. Both DISCERN and MIST indicated poorest information pertaining to surgical risks and complications as well as treatment outcomes. Websites such as Orthoinfo.aaos.org and Myelopathy.org provided reliable, trustworthy, and comprehensive patient education. Information available on almost three-quarters of DCM websites was of poor quality, with information regarding complications and treatment outcomes most deficient. Clinicians should be aware of quality sites where patients may be directed to augment patient education and surgical counseling.

Health literacy and adherence to care by people living with Human Immune Deficiency Virus (PLWHIV) in Nasarawa State

Background: Adherence to care among people living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLWHIV) has become a serious concern for healthcare practitioners. This study aimed to determine the health literacy (HL) and level of adherence to care among PLWHIV in Nasarawa State.Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 396 HIV patients accessing antiretroviral therapy in Nasarawa State from June to July 2023. Two pretested interview-administered questionnaires were used to collect data on HL and adherence to care. Data entry and analysis were done using IBM Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25.0. Descriptive statistics were used to describe respondent’s characteristics. Categorical variables were reported as frequencies and percentages. The association of HL domains with the level of adherence to care was determined using F-stat.Results: The dimensions of health literacy, including feeling understood and supported by healthcare providers, the ability to actively engage with healthcare providers, and navigating the healthcare system, were found to be significantly associated with the age of the respondents (p&lt; 0.05). High health literacy and a good level of adherence to care were found in 65.7% of the population. Adherence to care was significantly associated with HL, age, level of education, and marital status (p&lt; 0.05).Conclusion: The level of adherence to care by PLWHIV in Nasarawa State is significantly associated with HL. To enhance treatment adherence, healthcare professionals should boost the HL of PLWHIV in Nasarawa State by providing clearer and more accessible health information to patients during clinic visits.