Enhance Health Literacy Research Articles

The development of a clinical research educational training for community health workers using the joint task force for clinical trial competency framework.

Introduction: The NYU Clinical & Translational Science Institute, in collaboration with a number of community-engaged initiatives, developed a training for community health workers (CHWs) to enhance health literacy about clinical research. This innovative research training provides CHWs with a basic level of competency in clinical research to convey the importance of research to communities and better advocate for their health needs. CHWs are an underutilized resource to engage diverse populations in clinical research. The training also addresses the need to expand and diversify the clinical research workforce-integrating CHWs into research teams and connecting underserved populations with research opportunities to enhance quality of care. Methods: Structured individual interviews and focus group sessions were held with CHWs as well as clinical research faculty and staff to identify knowledge gaps in clinical research and identify best practices for educating community members on research. Using the Joint Task Force (JTF) for Clinical Trial Competency framework, an online course was developed consisting of 28 modules offered asynchronously for internal and external audiences. Topics include the fundamentals of clinical research, scientific concepts and research design, research ethics, study management, clinical study operations, communications, and teamwork, as well as the importance of diversity and equity in research and the barriers to participation. Results: Learning was evaluated using multiple choice questions after each module to ensure the fundamental level of knowledge was obtained. A separate survey, completed at the conclusion of the course, evaluated the quality of training. Discussion: The course aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of CHWs to help promote greater understanding of clinical research within the communities they serve, including the risks and benefits of clinical research and opportunities for participation. As members of the research team, community stakeholders can help design interventions tailored to the unique needs, culture, and context of their communities. In addition, this research training equips trainees with skills to engage the community actively, involving them in the research process and ensuring community priorities are represented in research through more community engaged processes.

Effect of health literacy and socioeconomic deprivation on outcomes after lower limb surgical revascularisation for chronic limb-threatening ischaemia: the HeaLTHI study

Introduction: Research has suggested a relationship between health literacy, socioeconomic status and health-related outcomes. The aim of the study was to study the association between health literacy, socioeconomic status and outcomes following infra-inguinal bypass surgery for chronic limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI). Methods: Patients with CLTI undergoing lower limb surgical bypass graft operations between January 2016 and December 2018 were included in a cross-sectional observational study. The HLS19-Q12 questionnaire categorised participant’s health literacy as inadequate, problematic, sufficient or excellent. Socioeconomic status was assessed using the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD). Primary outcomes were major lower limb amputation (MLLA) and adverse cardiovascular events. Secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay, and early postoperative complications including pneumonia, surgical site and graft infection. Kaplan– Meier survival curves were used to compare health literacy and amputation, and Cox proportional regression analysis was conducted to identify differences in limb loss risk against health literacy and social deprivation levels. Results: The study consisted of 50 patients with an average age of 70±8.7 years. The participants' levels of health literacy were classified as inadequate (28%), problematic (38%), sufficient (24%) or excellent (10%). Approximately 40% of the patients lived in the most deprived areas. While all health literacy groups had similar postoperative outcomes, low health literacy was connected with lower socioeconomic status (r=0.308, p=0.029). IMD (p=0.017, HR 0.502 (95% CI 0.285 to 0.883)) and haemoglobin (p=0.001, HR 0.919 (95% CI 0.872 to 0.968)) were significant predictors of MLLA. Conclusion: Patients with lower health literacy are more likely to face higher levels of social deprivation, which may predict amputation following bypass surgery. Enhancing health literacy could play a role in reducing health disparities caused by social deprivation, thereby potentially addressing a vascular James Lind Alliance priority.

Improving health literacy using the power of digital communications to achieve better health outcomes for patients and practitioners.

Digital communication tools have demonstrated significant potential to improve health literacy which ultimately leads to better health outcomes. In this article, we examine the power of digital communication tools such as mobile health apps, telemedicine and online health information resources to promote health and digital literacy. We outline evidence that digital tools facilitate patient education, self-management and empowerment possibilities. In addition, digital technology is optimising the potential for improved clinical decision-making, treatment options and communication among providers. We also explore the challenges and limitations associated with digital health literacy, including issues related to access, reliability and privacy. We propose leveraging digital communication tools is key to optimising engagement to enhance health literacy across demographics leading to transformation of healthcare delivery and driving better outcomes for all.

The quality of older adults’ involvement in clinical communication with general practitioners: evidence from rural towns in Australia

ObjectiveA study was conducted about the putative links of older rural Australians’ health knowledge and preparation with their quality of involvement in patient-general practitioner (GP) communication during health intake visits. MethodsIt was a cross-sectional study between January 2021 and April 2022. The 32-item quality of involvement in communication scale was designed and incorporated into the SurveyGizmo software. This online survey was administered by sending an email request to the Renmark Rotary Club, which actively promoted this study across five rural towns in South Australia. 121 participants completed the surveys. Mean-sum scores were calculated based on the questionnaire responses to evaluate outcomes, specifically initiation of information, active participation, and emotional expression. We employed different methods including t-tests, ANOVA, and leaner regressions to analyse data. ResultsThe demographic profile of participants characterised by a female predominance (58.7%, 71/121), a majority falling within the 65‒< 70 age bracket (47.1%, 57/121), and a high level of educational attainment (58.7% had completed high school or higher, 71/121). Additionally, 35% of the participants predominantly spoke a language other than English at home. Regarding the initiation of information with GPs, the mean sum-score was (20.5 ± 3.7), indicating a marginally above-average level of engagement. Contrarily, the active participation was suboptimal, as suggested by a mean sum score of (35.9 ± 6.3). Furthermore, the emotional expression was relatively low, with a mean score of (13.9 ± 1.8). Substantial variations were discerned in the quality of patient-GP communication, contingent upon factors such as educational background, language spoken at home, health literacy, and preparatory measures for clinical visits. Participants who predominantly spoke a language other than English at home demonstrated significantly lower levels of information initiation with their GPs (P < 0.001). Higher educational attainment was positively correlated with increased active participation (P < 0.001). Enhanced health literacy and thorough visit preparation were significantly associated with increased levels of active participation (P < 0.001). ConclusionMeaningful engagement through recognition, empowerment, and support (health literacy programs) for older rural adults is suggested for improving their quality of involvement in communication with GPs.

Introducing Quin: The Design and Development of a Prototype Chatbot to Support Smoking Cessation.

Chatbots emulate human-like interactions and may usefully provide on-demand access to tailored smoking cessation support. We have developed a prototype smartphone application-based smoking cessation chatbot, named Quin, grounded in real-world, evidence-, and theory-based smoking cessation counseling sessions. Conversation topics and interactions in Quitline counseling sessions (N = 30; 18 h) were characterized using thematic, content, and proponent analyses of transcripts. Quin was created by programming this content using a chatbot framework which interacts with users via speech to text. Reiterative changes and additions were made to the conversation structure and dialogue following regular consultation with a multidisciplinary team from relevant fields, and from evidence-based resources. Chatbot conversations were encoded into initial and scheduled follow-up "appointments." Collection of demographic information, and smoking and quit history, informed tailored discussion about pharmacotherapy preferences, behavioral strategies, and social and professional support to form a quit plan. Follow-up appointments were programmed to check in on user progress, review elements of the quit plan, answer questions, and solve issues. Quin was programmed to include teachable moments and educational content to enhance health literacy and informed decision-making. Personal agency is encouraged through exploration and self-reflection of users' personal behaviors, experiences, preferences, and ideas. Quin's successful development represents a movement toward improving access to personalized smoking cessation support. Qualitative foundations of Quin provide greater insight into the smoking cessation counseling relationship and enhances the conversational ability of the technology. The prototype chatbot will be refined through beta-testing with end users and stakeholders prior to evaluation in a clinical trial. Our novel study provides transparent description of the translation of qualitative evidence of real-world smoking cessation counseling sessions into the design and development of a prototype smoking cessation chatbot. The successful iterative development of Quin not only embodies the science and art of health promotion, but also a step forward in expanding the reach of tailored, evidence based, in-pocket support for people who want to quit smoking.

Bridging the gap: An integrated approach to transitions in care.

327 Background: Acute leukemia necessitates specialized care across multiple settings. Poorly executed transitions pose risks to quality and safety. Through the implementation of Lean Six Sigma methodology, we introduced an experienced APP (Advanced Practice Provider) known as the ‘Transitions Coordinator’ to collaborate with primary team, educate patients about disease/treatment plans, facilitate advanced care planning, and ensure smooth transition to post-acute outpatient care. Methods: The Transitions APP applies clinical guideline expertise to assess data, facilitate care coordination, and provide recommendations to the primary team. Other crucial aspects of the intervention encompass structured counseling sessions with patients to enhance health literacy, evaluation of patient values through advanced care planning, and a post-discharge phone call to verify understanding of instructions. The intervention concludes with a formal handoff process accompanied by thorough documentation. Results: Results show significant improvements post-intervention. The 30-day unplanned readmission rate decreased from 24.6% to 19.1%, surpassing the goal of 20%. The Serious Illness Conversation (SIC) rate increased from 11% to 92%, exceeding the 80% target. Staff perceptions of patient care improved, with increased confidence in follow-up care (2.7% to 29.2%) and patient support (12% to 41.5%). Patient experience ratings also indicated enhanced communication with doctors. Conclusions: Our intervention successfully addressed the challenges in acute leukemia care transitions. The integration of an APP Transitions Coordinator led to better communication, reduced readmission rates, and improved advanced care planning. This model can be applied to various patient populations with serious diagnoses requiring complex care. Lessons learned include the need for a customized approach and key elements such as education, advance care planning, discharge phone calls, and formal handoff processes. By bridging the gap between inpatient and post-acute care, we achieved better overall patient outcomes. This approach has the potential to benefit patients with other serious conditions like heart failure or chronic lung disease. Our experience highlights the importance of adapting the role to individual patient needs and ensuring timely delivery of necessary content.

The Effectiveness of Educational Mobile Messages on Prevention of Dental Caries in Group of Preschool Children

Purpose: To estimate the impact of providing mobile educational messages on prevention of dental caries in group of preschool children. Materials and methods: 100 high caries risk children aged between 3 and 5 years from both genders were randomly allocated into two groups (n=50) regarding to receiving educational messages: test group; included children whose parents received educational messages and control group; included children whose parents didn’t receive any messages. Every 14 days the test group received educational messages via Whats Application Messenger (WhatsApp). Visible plaque index (VPI), the decayed, missed, filled (dmf) and the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) indices were measured at the start of the study, 3-, 6- and 9-month follow-ups, whereas Health Literacy levels and dietary habits were determined by HEALS literacy questionnaire at the start of the study and 9-month follow-up. Results: Educational messages increased parental HEALS scores, enhancing children’s oral health and reducing the severity of dental caries. Conclusion: Mobile educational messages provided through WhatsApp were efficient in reducing dental caries among preschool children and enhancing health literacy of the parents.

Healthcare providers’ insights on enhancing health literacy and access for Arab Bedouin in Israel

Abstract Background The Arab Bedouin minority is considered as one of the most vulnerable populations in Israel due to socio-cultural factors that affect their healthcare utilization patterns. This study investigates continuity of care and health literacy within the Bedouin community, aiming to identify gaps and barriers to healthcare services (HS) utilization for Bedouins, as perceived by healthcare providers serving this community. Methods A qualitative study was conducted June 2019 and January 2022, involving in-depth semi-structured interviews with 32 healthcare providers from community health centers/clinics in Bedouin villages and towns in Southern Israel, as well as Soroka Medical Center. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the collected data, and trustworthiness was ensured through audit, reflexivity, and peer debriefing. Results Healthcare providers identified factors that hinder HS utilization and the absence of various healthcare options for Bedouin patients. Interviews revealed discontinuity in treatment due to insufficient health literacy and unaffordability of medications. Additionally, many Bedouins choose to forgo or delay their visits to the community health services and visit the Emergency Department directly, because of physical, cultural, and gender barriers. Elderly Bedouins are a particularly vulnerable subgroup, susceptible to complications from chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Conclusions This study highlights the necessity of targeted interventions to improve healthcare access for Bedouin minority population, particularly tailoring HS to elderly subgroups. Potential interventions comprise health education programs designed to enhance health literacy, address medication affordability, and confront cultural and gender barriers obstructing access to primary care services. These findings hold implications for public health policies and initiatives addressing healthcare disparities among minority groups worldwide. Key messages • Health literacy is a key barrier for the Bedouin minority in Israel, with global implications for addressing healthcare disparities in minority groups. • Targeted interventions, like health education programs, are needed to improve healthcare access for Bedouin minority, especially the elderly subgroup.

THE EFFECT OF AWARENESS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND HEALTH LITERACY LEVELS ON HEALTHY LIFESTYLE BEHAVIORS

It can be argued that the COVID-19 outbreak has created awareness in terms of understanding the importance of health, hygiene, financial and spiritual well-being. In this study, it was aimed to determine the awareness levels of university students about the COVID-19 outbreak and whether their health literacy levels have an effect on their healthy lifestyle behaviors. The research population consists of students studying at Bilecik Seyh Edebali University. The convenience sampling method, which is a non-random sampling method, was used in the data collection. The sample size in this study was 457 individuals. The data obtained in the study were evaluated through the SPSS 22.0 statistical software in computer environment. When the regression analysis of the study was examined, a significant cause-and-effect relationship was found between following the news and developments, being affected by the work life, having concerns, taking precautions, health literacy and healthy lifestyle behaviors. Therefore, health literacy needs to be adapted and integrated into daily life in COVID-19 and similar infectious diseases. The findings of this study will provide valuable insights for the development of public health policies and health communication strategies. Strengthening health awareness and enhancing health literacy during and after the pandemic will be critical steps to promote and sustain healthy lifestyle behaviors. By implementing effective measures, society can strive for improved health outcomes and better preparedness for future health challenges.

The roles of health literacy in parents’ honey use and the use of complementary alternative medicine in a Turkish population

BackgroundAs a biologically based therapy, honey is used by parents in many parts of the world as a home remedy for their children. While information exists regarding the traditional use of honey for health issues in children, data regarding its relationship with health literacy is lacking. The aims of this study were to determine the use of honey to address children’s health issues among parents of children aged 0–72 months and to explore the relationship between the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and health literacy.MethodsThe data for this descriptive, cross-sectional study were collected between October and November 2022 via an online survey of 907 parents of children aged 0–72 months. A sociodemographic data collection form, the Holistic Complementary and Alternative Medicine Questionnaire (HCAMQ), and the Turkey Health Literacy Scale-32 (THLS-32) were used to collect the data. A t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation analysis were used to analyze the data.ResultsThe majority (86.5%) of the parents used honey for their children’s health problems. Among the parents, 83.1% utilized honey as a remedy for alleviating cough symptoms, 10.4% employed it as a treatment for diarrhea, and 14% administered it for the management of oral mucositis. The mean THLS-32 and HCAMQ scores of the parents were 29.39 and 21.31, respectively, and there was a moderate correlation between the parents’ THLS-32 and HCAMQ mean scores (r = 0.662, p < 0.001).ConclusionThis study revealed that a significant proportion of parents who used honey to alleviate their children’s health issues displayed positive attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) while concurrently exhibiting insufficient or limited health literacy levels. Therefore, it is advisable to enhance health literacy regarding the proper and safe utilization of honey, which functions as a biologically based CAM therapy.

Cost-Effectiveness of Health Literacy Enhancement Intervention on Patients with Type II Diabetes.

Type II diabetes is considered a chronic disease that influences the affected person's quality of life and imposes a high economic burden on the patient and society. The enhancement of health literacy seems essential for self-management and disease control in patients with type II diabetes. Consequently, this study was performed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of enhanced health literacy in type II diabetes patients. This study was of quantitative and economic evaluation type. A population of 232 patients was selected among those referred to the Tafihan Shiraz clinic based on the quality of entry and exit. The health literacy educational intervention was carried out for three months. In order to collect information, researchers used the SF36 questionnaire and the checklist of costs. The Cost Effectiveness Ratio (CER) and Incremental Cost Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) were calculated. Moreover, the costs of each unit of increasing the quality of life before and after the intervention were calculated. A decision was made to determine the cost-effectiveness of the intervention. According to the results, 40% of the participants were females, and 34.5% were 30-40 years old. Examination of the quality of life in patients before the intervention indicated that the mean and standard deviation of the patients' quality of life before the intervention was 18.43±44.99, and the mean and standard deviation of the quality of life after the intervention was 49.57±16.21. Moreover, the patients' quality of life increased after the educational intervention. The total direct medical costs were $717,484 and $685,620 before and after the intervention, respectively. The total indirect medical costs were $604,122 and $493,011 before and after the intervention, respectively. Moreover, the total indirect costs were $122,535 and $122,119 before and after the intervention, respectively. The study was cost-effective with CER=0.9 and ICER= - 140,000 per increase in the quality of life. Improving health literacy can have a range of benefits and improve the quality of life of patients with type II diabetes and reduce their treatment costs, and thereby, this may be seen as an effective step toward the recovery of patients with type II diabetes.

Serial mediation roles of empowerment and self-care activities connecting health literacy, quality of life, and glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes.

Health literacy, empowerment, and self-care activities are likely the crucial concepts affecting the quality of life and glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, evidence demonstrating the mechanisms underlying these concepts is scarce. The aim of this study was to test the serial mediation roles of empowerment and self-care activities on the relationships between health literacy and quality of life and between health literacy and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in people with T2D. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 319 people with T2D in Guangzhou, China, from July 2019 to January 2020. Data were collected using the Health Literacy Scale, the Diabetes Empowerment Scale-Short Form, the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Measure, and the Adjusted Diabetes-Specific Quality of Life Scale. RStudio 4.2.1 was used for serial mediation analysis. The dimension of communicative health literacy accounted for the most total variance (β = 0.810, p < .001) in the construct of health literacy. The serial multiple mediation of empowerment and self-care activities in the associations between health literacy and quality of life (β = -.046, p = .019) and between health literacy and HbA1c (β = -.045, p = .005) were statistically significant. This study emphasized the vital role of communicative health literacy when improving health literacy in people with T2D. Diabetes care and education specialists could implement empowerment approaches and flexible self-care strategies to improve the quality of life and glycemic control in people with T2D. Enhancing health literacy was suggested as a favorable strategy for promoting empowerment and self-care activities in people with T2D.

Awareness campaign to improve hygiene practices: Evidence from a randomized controlled trial in the tribal areas of Pakistan

In a recent survey, it was determined that less than 15% of the population in the north-western tribal areas of Pakistan purify water prior to consumption. This is worrisome as most water sources in this region are unsuitable for drinking due to bacterial contamination, seepage of chemicals from agricultural practices and deposition of human waste into water bodies. To promote health-preserving behaviors, an awareness campaign was carried out in the region with the central theme being water purification. The results indicate that water purification, on average, increased by 11 percentage points for the treated group relative to the control group. Given the success of this low-cost intervention, promotion of sanitation and hygiene practices via informational campaigns should be considered a tool to enhance health literacy.

Health literacy and coronavirus disease 2019 prevention behaviors of village health volunteers in Samut Songkhram Province, Thailand

Village health volunteers (VHVs) play crucial leadership roles in promoting health behavior changes including searching for, controlling, and preventing the spread of COVID-19 within their communities. This cross-sectional study investigated the association between health literacy and COVID-19 prevention behaviors of 425 VHVs in Samut Songkhram Province, Thailand, who were selected using a multistage sampling method. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression analysis to determine correlations. Results revealed that most participants demonstrated good overall health literacy (63.3%), with COVID-19 prevention behaviors at a high level (53.6%). A positive correlation was observed between overall health literacy and COVID-19 prevention behavior (r = 0.103, p-value &lt; 0.05). After adjusting for age in years, the overall health literacy score was found to be significantly related to the COVID-19 prevention behavior score (Beta = 0.146). These findings can be utilized to further enhance health literacy among VHVs in Samut Songkhram Province, Thailand and serve as a guideline to promote effective disease prevention behaviors within local communities.

Related Factors with Self-Management Behaviors among Patients with Predialysis Chronic Kidney Disease: A Multicenter Study in Myanmar

Background: Self-management behavior is key to managing patients with predialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is effective in slowing disease progression in impoverished Burmese patients with CKD. This study aimed to outline the association of personal and environmental factors with the self-management behaviors of people with predialysis CKD. Methods: Using convenience sampling, this cross-sectional study included 84 individuals with predialysis CKD from two private hospitals in Myanmar. The interviewer-administered questionnaire included demographic information, the Health Literacy Short Form-12, the CKD knowledge questionnaire, the self-efficacy questionnaire, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the self-management behavior questionnaire. This study analyzed the data using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, Spearman’s rho correlation, and Chi-square tests. Results: The results revealed that participants had moderate health literacy (26.12 ± 7.51), CKD knowledge (10.10 ± 3.76), and perceived self-efficacy levels (30.58 ± 10.28), a high social support level (67.33 ± 8.54), and a moderate self-management behavior level (74.20 ± 7.80). Health literacy (r = 0.40, p &lt; 0.01), CKD knowledge (r = 0.62, p &lt; 0.01), perceived self-efficacy (r = 0.62, p &lt; 0.01), and social support (r = 0.44, p &lt; 0.01) were related to self-management behaviors. Conclusions: The results indicated that enhanced health literacy, CKD knowledge, self-efficacy, and social support could support the self-management behaviors of individuals with predialysis CKD.

Poster 307: A Standardized Method that Improves Readability of Patient Education Materials in Sports Medicine Knee Injuries

Objectives: Sports-related knee injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or meniscus tears are very common, and there are ample resources for knee injury-related patient education materials (PEMs). However, the anatomy, pathology, and treatment plans of knee injuries are often described in terms that are obscure to patients. While the internet has become a vast resource for medical information, online PEMs in orthopaedics have consistently been shown to be written above the NIH- recommended sixth-grade reading level to the detriment of patient health literacy. The purpose of this study is to develop a standardized method to improve readability of orthopaedic PEMs without diluting their critical content by reducing the use of complex words (&gt;3 syllables) and shortening sentence length to &lt;15 words. Methods: OrthoInfo, a patient education website developed by the Academy of American Orthopedic Surgeons, was queried for PEMs relevant to the care of athletic injuries of the knee. Inclusion criteria were PEMs that were unique, pertained to topics of knee pathology in sports medicine, and written in a prose-format. Exclusion criteria were information presented in video or slideshow format, or topics not pertaining to knee pathology in sports medicine. Readability of PEMs was evaluated using seven unique readability formulas before and after applying a standardized method to improve readability while preserving critical content (reducing the use of &gt;3 syllable words and ensuring sentence length is &lt;15 words). Paired samples t-tests were conducted to assess the relationship between reading levels of the original PEMs and reading level of edited PEMs. Results: Reading levels differed significantly between the 23 original PEMs and edited PEMs across all seven readability formulas (p&lt;0.01). Mean Flesch Kincaid Grade Level of original PEMs (9.8±1.4) was significantly increased compared to that of edited PEMs (6.4±1.1) (p=1.9x10-13). 4.0% of original PEMs met NIH recommendations of a sixth-grade reading level compared to 48.0% of modified PEMs. Conclusions: A standardized method that reduces the use of &gt;3 syllable words and ensures sentence length is &lt;15 words significantly reduces the reading-grade level of PEMs for sports-related knee injuries. Orthopaedic organizations and institutions should apply this simple standardized method when creating PEMs to enhance health literacy. [Table: see text][Table: see text]

Exploring the Link between Family Health and Health Literacy among College Students: The Mediating Role of Psychological Resilience

Enhancing health literacy is of the utmost importance to enhance the physical and mental well-being of college students. Unfortunately, there has been limited research investigating the means of improving college students’ health literacy through the perspective of families. Family health is an interdisciplinary and complex concept that involves multiple factors, and it provides a holistic perspective on the overall well-being of the family unit. Thus, this study aims to examine the relationship between family health and health literacy and scrutinize the mediating role of psychological resilience. A valid sample of 5473 students was collected from a university in November–December 2022 and was assessed using regression analysis. The findings reveal that family health has a positive association with the health literacy of college students (β = 0.56, p &lt; 0.001), with psychological resilience playing a critical mediating role (β = 0.11, 95% CI: [0.09, 0.13]). Therefore, the family ought to be recognized as a fundamental mechanism to enhance college students’ health literacy. Additionally, it is essential to emphasize the amelioration of psychological distress among college students and enhance their psychological resilience, which will be helpful for their overall health consciousness and proficiency.

Pharmacy marketing for public health impact: Promoting preventive care and health literacy through strategic campaigns

Pharmacies are increasingly recognized as pivotal players in public health, capable of promoting preventive care and enhancing health literacy through strategic marketing campaigns. This research explores how pharmacies can effectively contribute to public health by aligning their marketing efforts with broader health initiatives. By leveraging their direct access to patients, pharmacies can raise awareness about vital preventive measures, such as vaccinations, disease screenings, and healthy lifestyle choices. This review examines the role of pharmacies in addressing health literacy gaps, particularly in simplifying complex medical information to ensure patients are better equipped to make informed health decisions. Strategic pharmacy marketing can promote preventive care by highlighting available services, encouraging early disease detection, and advocating for regular health check-ups. Through targeted campaigns, pharmacies can drive engagement and uptake of vaccinations and other preventive health measures, particularly among populations that might be less likely to access healthcare through traditional means. Furthermore, educational campaigns focused on improving health literacy are essential for empowering patients, helping them understand medication use, chronic disease management, and the importance of adhering to prescribed treatments. The research also highlights case studies where pharmacies have successfully led public health campaigns, demonstrating measurable improvements in community health outcomes. It discusses the importance of partnerships between pharmacies and public health organizations, fostering collaboration to amplify health messages. Finally, the review outlines strategies for effective campaign implementation, including the use of digital tools and data analytics to reach diverse patient populations. By integrating these approaches, pharmacies can serve as essential contributors to public health, promoting wellness, disease prevention, and improved patient outcomes.

Infection Dynamics of Aspergillus fumigatus in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis (CF).

Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) has emerged as a significant pathogen in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and currently is within the top five isolated organisms reported in several international CF patient registries. A. fumigatus has been attributed to disease progression, although its role remains controversial. There is a paucity of reports on its infection dynamics, it was the aim of this study to examine time to first laboratory reports of A. fumigatus acquisition and to correlate this with patient gender and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mutation type. One hundred adult (≥ 18years) CF patients were examined (50 females, 50 males; mean age 24.6years ± 6.25 (SD), median age 24years; maximum age 76years). CFTR mutation groups consisted (i) F508del/F508del homozygous (n = 45), (ii) F508del/other heterozygous (n = 45) and (iii) others (n = 10). CFTR mutation type, patient gender, presence/absence of A. fumigatus and time (months) to first isolation of A. fumigatus were examined. Microbiological data was examined from 100 patients from birth to present (31/12/2021), equating to 2455 patient years. A. fumigatus was isolated from 66/100 (66%) adult CF patients; (i) F508del/F508del homozygous (82%; 37/45), (ii) F508del/other heterozygous (56%; 25/45) and (iii) others (40%; 4/10). Within the F508del/other heterozygous group, 14 mutations were noted on the second allele, with R560T and R117H collectively accounting for 36% of the second mutations. Four unique allele/allele mutations were noted in the Other Mutations category. There was a trend to a higher A. fumigatus acquisition in F508del/F508del homozygous patients than with F508del/other patients (p = 0.0529). Of the 66 patients who were positive for A. fumigatus, 35(53%) were male and 31(47%) were female. The median and mean time to first isolation of A. fumigatus in all A. fumigatus-positive patients was 119.5months and 128months, respectively, shortest time was 12months, longest time 288months. There was a statistical significance in time-to-first isolation in relation to CFTR mutation group (p = 0.0272), whereby F508del homozygous individuals had their first isolation of A. fumigatus at 116.8 ± 7.9months (mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM)) and F508del heterozygous patients had their first isolate of A. fumigatus at 150.4months ± 13.7months (mean ± SEM), approximately 2.75years after their F508del homozygous peers. There was no significant difference (p = 0.12) in time to first acquisiton between males and females, whereby males had their first A. fumigatus isolate at 118 ± 9.4months, whereas females had their first A. fumigatus isolate at 140 ± 10.8months. The highest rate of first A. fumigatus isolation was from 4years until 16years and by the age of 16years, approximately 85% of A. fumigatus-positive patients had recorded their first A. fumigatus isolate. To minimise the risk of first acquisition of A. fumigatus, it is important that infection prevention educational messaging is delivered in the paediatric clinic, to enhance health literacy around A. fumigatus acquisition.

Analysis of Readiness for enhanced health literacy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

To estimate the prevalence of Readiness for enhanced health literacy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus through the diagnostic accuracy of the defining characteristics. A diagnostic accuracy study on the diagnosis of Readiness for enhanced health literacy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus was conducted using the latent class analysis model. The sample comprised 180 individuals attending a referral outpatient clinic in Maranhão, Brazil. The data analysis was conducted in the R Core Team software. The prevalence of the nursing diagnosis was 55.23%. The main defining characteristics were expresses desire to enhance health communication with healthcare providers and expresses desire to enhance the understanding of health information to make healthcare choices. All defining characteristics showed significant specificity values. Accurate diagnoses contribute to individualized care plans for patients. The diagnosis Readiness for enhanced health literacy should be considered in implementing care plans, including interventions to reduce complications in the health status of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.