Awareness Of Health Literacy Research Articles

Impact of teaching modality on soft skill development: Oral health literacy awareness skills assessed using standardized patient experiences.

Health literacy awareness is a crucial skill for health professionals, yet training may be lacking. Didactic lectures may improve health literacy awareness in future health professionals, however, compressed curricula may lead educators to consider the incorporation of eLearning into the delivery of health literacy education. E-modules have been shown to engage learners, yet little is known about their effectiveness in instilling behavioral change in learners' clinical communication skills. This study aimed to shed light on the impact of learning modality on dental students' ability to learn and translate soft skills into clinical settings. An e-module on health literacy awareness was created by the researchers with an equivalent lecture developed. Fifty-six dental students were randomly assigned to a control or intervention cohort (lecture or e-module) and all cohorts participated in standardized patient experiences to be assessed in a simulated but authentic patient care scenario. Pre- and post-intervention scores, simulation scores, and learner reflections were compared. Fifty-six students participated in the study. Post-intervention health literacy awareness knowledge increased for both intervention cohorts. In clinical simulation, intervention cohorts scored significantly higher on nearly all variables, with the lecture cohort scoring consistently better than e-learners. Both lecture and e-learning are effective learning modalities for promoting health literacy awareness, but dental students learning the subject via lecture may translate certain newly acquired soft skills more effectively in clinical scenarios.

Relationship between awareness of digital game addiction, health literacy, and sociodemographic characteristics of mothers: A structural equation modeling analysis

AimMothers' digital game addiction awareness and their health literacy levels are critical factors for addiction prevention strategies in children. Therefore, the present study is significant. This study examines the relationship between awareness of digital game addiction, health literacy, and the sociodemographic characteristics of mothers. MethodThis cross-sectional study was conducted with 457 mothers of children aged 5–11 years in Turkey. The data were collected using a personal information questionnaire, the Awareness of Digital Game Addiction Scale, and the Health Literacy Scale between May and September 2021. ResultsThis study revealed that mothers are highly aware of digital game addiction and have high health literacy. Furthermore, health literacy was determined to significantly and directly affect awareness of digital gaming addiction. Awareness of digital gaming addiction significantly and directly affects children owning their own technological devices and how much time mothers spend with their children. ConclusionThe study's results confirmed that mothers' health literacy had a positive and statistically significant effect on awareness of digital gaming addiction. As the health literacy levels of mothers increased, the internal and external awareness of digital gaming addiction increased. It is recommended to design intervention programs that increase mothers' awareness of digital game addiction. These programs should be planned according to the health literacy levels of mothers.

The relationship between risk and prevention awareness of infectious diseases and health literacy among prisoners

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the intricate relationship between the health literacy and the awareness of risks and prevention awareness of infection disease among prisoners. Study designA cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 1350 prisoners at an L Type Closed Penal Execution Institution in Turkey, using comprehensive criteria to ensure the inclusion of a diverse participant pool. MethodData was collected via face-to-face interviews using the “personal information form,” “health literacy scale (HLS),” and “communicable diseases risk awareness and protection Scale (CDRAPS).” Both scales exhibited high reliability. Statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation and linear regression, were conducted to evaluate the relationships between the dimensions of these scales. ResultsThe study was completed with 1031 prisoners. The participants' mean age was 38.65 with a majority being single (69.2%) and high school graduates (46.3%). A weak positive correlation (r = 0.448, P = 0.000) was observed between the CDRAPS (mean score 135.98 ± 24.00) and the HLS (mean score 89.85 ± 22.30), indicating health literacy explained a 20% variance in communicable diseases risk awareness and prevention. Furthermore, a significant relationship was established considering multiple variables including age, marital and educational status, family health personnel presence, smoking and alcohol use, and comorbidities, showing a combined effect on disease risk awareness and prevention (R2 = 0.203, β = 0.458, P = 0.000). ConclusionThese findings highlight the importance for governments and policy makers to implement preventive and educational programs that are focused on public health, aiming to increase prisoners' health literacy and awareness of infectious diseases.

Health literacy education at the time of COVID-19: development and piloting of an educational programme for university health professional students in 4 European countries

BackgroundHealth literacy has a strong influence on individual health outcomes and the sustainability of healthcare systems. Healthcare professionals often overestimate patients’ health literacy levels and lack adequate competencies to address limited health literacy effectively. Therefore, promoting understanding through effective health communication between professionals and citizens is becoming increasingly important. Although health literacy has recently gained more attention, health literacy educational programmes targeting future healthcare professionals are still scarce, especially in Europe. This study describes the piloting process of a pan-European health literacy educational programme and shows how the educational material is being used during time of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThe educational programme was developed through the definition of an educational philosophy and iterative co-creation processes consisting of stakeholders’ consultations, material development and pilots with students. The evaluation was carried out in Italy through four pilot tests involving 107 students of health-related degrees. An evaluation questionnaire and a pre-post test were developed and used to collect students’ and educators’ feedback (quantitative and qualitative) and assess changes in health literacy awareness, respectively. Three additional pilots were organized in Italy and Germany mostly during the COVID-19 pandemic to evaluate the feasibility of the educational programme through online and hybrid learning, respectively.ResultsThe pilots received positive feedback from both students and educators. Students were highly satisfied with the courses, reported their relevance for their future profession and appreciated the interactive teaching methods. The pre-post test showed a significant improvement in health literacy awareness after the training. Educators reported the adequacy and flexibility of the training material, the ease of transferability of the content of the lessons into practice, and the validity of the tested options to integrate the educational programme into the curricula.ConclusionsOur comprehensive, evidence-based educational programme contributes to addressing the existing challenges in Europe, and its flexibility allows for easy integration in the curricula, through different options, hence supporting a widespread uptake in the European Union and maybe beyond. Health literacy education is a useful tool to improve citizens’ access to healthcare information and services, achieve better health outcomes and support healthcare systems’ sustainability.

Psychological Health Literacy Awareness and Healthy Attitudes among Teenagers in China

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of health literacy, parent support, and health policies on the health attitudes of teenagers in China. The health status of teenagers in China is critical due to their large number in the population and because the government has failed to provide healthcare insurance to each individual. Methods: The population for this study was Chinese teenagers. Empirical evidence is gained through a measurement model assessment and structural model assessment findings. The model from this research is a significant addition to the knowledge of teenagers′ health information. Research findings are based on empirical evidence. Results: Health literacy, health policies, and parent support influence the health attitude of teenagers in China. Conclusion: The theoretical findings demonstrated by this research are new in the body of knowledge that extended the literature. The practical implication of this research to enhance the health literacy of teenagers in China. The study has demonstrated the future research directions for scholars.

Health Literacy Awareness Among Orthopaedic Surgery Residents: A COERG Survey.

This study was endorsed by the Collaborative Orthopaedic Education Research Group board. A 17-item questionnaire was administered anonymously to orthopaedic residents through a secure online platform in the 2020 to 2021 academic year. All participation was voluntary. One hundred ninety-two residents (42%) from 19 orthopaedic programs completed the survey. Most residents felt "somewhat comfortable" with issues related to HL. Most residents reported no specific training in HL issues during residency (77.5%). Of the 43 residents (22.3%) who did receive formal training, most of these individuals felt that the training is effective (N = 42, 97.7%). Role playing/standardized patient encounters were reported as the most effective form of HL training. Residents felt it was somewhat important to receive formal HL training in residency (median = 4.0, interquartile range = 3.0-5.0), and there was a modest desire for formalized training (39%). This study is the first to characterize orthopaedic resident perceptions of HL issues in practice and training. Residents were somewhat confident in their understanding of HL concepts, and those who received formal training felt it was effective. However, there remains a low rate of formal orthopaedic resident training in HL issues, which may be an area for improvement in orthopaedic training paradigms.

Health literacy awareness among Canadian surgeons

Adequate health literacy is essential to navigate the healthcare system and has a major role in peri-operative care and outcomes. Minimal information exists regarding surgeons’ understanding of health literacy, clinical implications, and awareness of universal measures of support. This study assessed Canadian surgeons’ perceptions of patients’ health literacy and their knowledge of available supportive resources. We conducted a cross-sectional study using an electronic survey distributed to surgeons at academic institutions. Data collected included sociodemographics, health literacy knowledge, and practice surrounding the use of supportive measures. Across four Canadian academic institutions (University of Toronto, McMaster University, University of Alberta, and University of Calgary), 35 surgeons from various surgical specialties, including general, plastic, and orthopedic surgery, completed the survey. Approximately 74% of surgeons reported familiarity with the concept “health literacy”, but they used general impressions to estimate their patients’ health literacy levels. Surgeons’ perceptions were that patients who had proficient health literacy represented 50% or less of their practice. However, knowledge of supportive tools for measuring patient health literacy was variable. Surgeons familiar with health literacy spent significantly more time (>15 minutes) counselling patients (38%, p=0.02) and used language at a 10th grade level or less (92%, p=0.04). Common supportive measures included using simple, non-medical terms (97%, n=34), repetition (83%, n=29), and drawing pictures/diagrams (83%, n=29). This study highlights the importance of surgeon awareness of health literacy and how improved awareness may guide patient-surgeon interactions and improve the quality of care.

Rollout of the Oral Health Literacy Toolkit in California: A Mixed-Methods Analysis

Background: Formative assessment of the rollout process of the California Oral Health Literacy (OHL) toolkit uses a mixed-methods approach. The OHL toolkit is an educational resource for dental professionals to improve communication with patients. This study was intended to obtain user feedback and suggestions for improvement.Methods: This mixed-methods assessment of the OHL toolkit rollout included anonymous post-training surveys distributed at regional dental societies in California and 1:1 interviews with dental champions who would work with the research team on toolkit rollout. Anonymous and deidentified data were analyzed using R and Dedoose.Results: From surveys (n = 37), the OHL toolkit components of highest interest to respondents were teach-back, increasing health literacy awareness among staff and learning to use plain language communication. Perceived implementation barriers were time constraints, insufficient staffing and a need for more training on communication techniques. Impressions, implementation prospects and recommendations for the OHL toolkit were obtained from qualitative interviews (n = 6). Overall, participants had positive impressions of the training presentation, OHL toolkit and implementation prospects.Conclusion: This study identified interest areas and implementation barriers, data that can be used to further improve the OHL toolkit and reduce barriers faced by practitioners. Further assessments at clinician and patient levels will be helpful for outcomes evaluation.Practical implications: The OHL toolkit is perceived positively by dental practitioners in California. Facilitators and barriers identified by dental providers and champions can be addressed through changes to the OHL toolkit and training. Rollout at the national level is being considered.

A qualitative study evaluating the discharge process for vascular surgery patients to identify significant themes for organizational improvement.

Transition from the hospital to an outpatient setting is a multifaceted process requiring coordination among a variety of services and providers to ensure a high-quality discharge. Vascular surgery patients comprise a complex population that experiences high unplanned readmission rates. We performed a qualitative study to identify themes for process improvement for vascular surgery patients. A validated discharge process, RED (Re-Engineered Discharge), was used to identify additional actionable themes to create a more efficient discharge process tailored specifically to the vascular surgery population. A prospective, qualitative analysis at a tertiary center using a semi-structured focus group interview guide was performed to evaluate the current discharge process and identify opportunities for improvement. Focus groups were Zoom recorded, transcribed into electronic text files, and were loaded into Dedoose qualitative software for analysis using a directed content analysis approach. Two researchers independently thematically coded each transcript, starting with accepted discharge components to identify new thematic categories. Prior to analysis, all redundancy of codes was resolved, and all team members agreed on text categorization and coding. Eight focus groups with a total of 38 participants were conducted. Participants included physicians (n = 13), nursing/ancillary staff (n = 14), advanced nurse practitioners (n = 2), social worker/dietitian/pharmacist (n = 3), and patients (n = 6). Transcript analyses revealed facilitators and barriers to the discharge process. In addition to traditional RED components, unique concepts pertinent to vascular surgery patients included patient complexity, social determinants of health, technology literacy, complexity of ancillary services, discharge appropriateness, and use of advanced nurse practitioners for continuity. Specific themes were identified to target and enhance the future vRED (vascular Re-Engineered Discharge) bundle. Thematic targets for improvement include increased planning, organization, and communication prior to discharge to address vascular surgery patients' multiple comorbidities, extensive medication lists, and need for complex ancillary services at the time of discharge. Other thematic barriers discovered to improve include provider awareness of patient health literacy, patient understanding of complex discharge instructions, patient technology barriers, and intrinsic social determinants of health in this population. To address these discovered barriers, organizational targets to improve include enhanced social support, the use of advanced nurse practitioners for education reinforcement, and increased coordination. These results provide a framework for future quality improvement targeting the vascular surgery discharge process.

Consumption of legumes in children from 3 to 6 years – evaluation of an intervention program

Abstract Introduction Eating habits are a key aspect of a healthy lifestyle. This study focuses on the importance of consuming legumes - rich and accessible source of protein, and a healthy and sustainable option, in environmental terms - contributing to increment health literacy levels at the population level. Objectives To design, implement and evaluate a program to promote the consumption of legumes - Beans4Life. Specifically, to assess its impact on the knowledge and frequency of consumption of the eight legumes (beans, grain, peas, beans, beans, lentils, chickpeas and lupins). Methods Pre-test post-test analytical study, with three evaluation moments: 1) before the intervention; 2) after the intervention with the children and 3) after the intervention with the guardians (end of the intervention). Participants: 90 children from 3 to 6 years old (54.4% male) and their guardians. Instruments: questionnaire to assess knowledge and food preferences, questionnaire on eating habits and a questionnaire to evaluate sessions. The intervention had two components, the first with the children (4 food education sessions) and the second with the families (activities that facilitate the inclusion of recipes with legumes in the family's daily life). Results Before the intervention, the results obtained show low levels of knowledge and frequency of consumption of legumes, influencing low health literacy. Peas and beans are the best known legumes (81.1% and 55.6%) and also preferred (77.8% and 73.3%). The results obtained in the second and third assessments show that there was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the knowledge and frequency of consumption of most legumes. Conclusions The objectives initially proposed were achieved and it will be pertinent to continue the present study, with larger samples, in order to increase health literacy awareness and the consumption of this food group in childhood, and provide more robust results that help to clarify the relationships found.

A cross-sectional survey study on the use of communication methods in the dentist-geriatric patient relationship

According to the data the World Health Organization (WHO) provides, the population has been aging more rapidly than in the past, and it has been reported that the number of people over the age of 60 exceeds the number of children under the age of 5. This demographic change has forced countries to plan their health systems with the aging population in mind. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to see and evaluate the attitudes of dentists and trainee dentists towards communication with patients they describe as "elderly" during their examination and treatment. This study applied a 25-item questionnaire on dentist-geriatric patient communication to 168 trainee dentists and 73 dentists in our faculty, including 4th and 5th-year students, residents, and faculty members. Sixteen items, the first 7 of which are "basic", include questions that examine the methods recommended by the American Medical Association in physician-patient communication and whether they find these methods effective. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 23.0, and a p-value of 0.05 is used as the cutoff for significance. Dentists routinely use an average of 4.6 of the 16 methods and 2.5 of the seven basic methods. While the most frequently used methods were “speaking slowly” and "using a simple language", the least was "using videos". Health literacy awareness and outcome expectancy were associated with the number of methods used. The number of routine use of the methods is quite low among dentists and trainee dentists. It has been observed that communication methods that would be effective in relationships with geriatric patients with low health literacy skills are not routinely used. It has been concluded that the communication methods that can be used effectively for communication with geriatric patients should be embedded into the dental curriculum.

Relationship between compliance with management target values and renal prognosis in multidisciplinary care for outpatients with chronic kidney disease

Although multidisciplinary care (MDC) is necessary for controlling chronic kidney disease (CKD), its impact on compliance with management target values in the CKD guidelines remains unclear. This study was designed to clarify the relationship between compliance with management target values and renal prognosis in CKD outpatients who received MDC. There were 255 outpatients with pre-dialysis CKD who received MDC. Achievement rates of systolic, and diastolic blood pressure, hemoglobin, uric acid, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and hemoglobin A1c values determined according to CKD guidelines were compared before and 12months after MDC. In addition, after dividing achievement rates of the target values at 12months after MDC into four groups (A < 30% ≤ B < 60% ≤ C < 80% ≤ D), dialysis initiation and renal survival rates were compared. There was a significant increase in the overall achievement rate from 62.8 to 69.1% (p < 0.001). The higher the achievement rate after MDC, the lower the dialysis initiation rate (A 72.7%, B 35.3%, C 20.5%, D 8.2%, p < 0.001). There was also a significantly higher renal survival rate (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that MDC for CKD raised awareness of health literacy, and improved the achievement rate of target values. Furthermore, the higher the achievement rate, the later the initiation of dialysis, which led to improvement of renal survival. MDC can improve compliance with management target values for CKD, suggesting that it may improve renal prognosis.

Balancing long-term health literacy skills development with immediate action to facilitate use of reliable health information on COVID-19 in England

High-quality healthcare information exists for patients and the public, but a high proportion of individuals do not have the skills to access, assess and use this information. Health Education England leads the strategic development of knowledge and library services in the National Health Service (NHS) in England. One of the goals of the Knowledge for Healthcare strategy is that staff, learners, patients and the public are better equipped to use evidence-based patient, health and wellbeing information for shared decision-making and self-care. This paper outlines a partnership approach to raising awareness of health literacy, and improving the health literacy awareness and skills of NHS staff and citizens, whilst meeting immediate needs to access trustworthy information on COVID-19.

1522Health Literacy and Public Awareness and Its Effect on COVID-19 Prevention: A Systematic Review

BackgroundConsidering the current COVID-19 pandemic due to SARS-CoV-2, it is necessary to estimate the role of health awareness, severity of disease impact on coronavirus patients and follow the approved disease preventive practices to improve the quality of health. This study aims to provide a systematic literature review on the health literacy awareness among the general population about SARS-CoV-2 and its impact on COVID-19 prevention.MethodsWe performed an extensive literature search on health literacy among public related to COVID-19. Relevant articles from PubMed and Cochrane databases were extracted and evaluated by applying appropriate key search terms to obtain the information published from January 2020 to April 2021. We included data based on observational and questionnaire-based studies and gathered information on participant's characteristics, health literacy and awareness, fear of COVID-19, and health-related behaviours.ResultsThe most eligible studies were identified from the available literature (N = 39) searched through using appropriate key terms. The literature analysis showed that social media and interacting personally with a community of friends are the primary sources that spread pandemic information related COVID-19 pandemic and its severity.ConclusionGlobally, social media is a major platform for disseminating and promoting health literacy about COVID-19 among the general population. It is suggestable to bring a more robust approach for a larger population who have educational disparity for better prevention of this communicable disease.Key MessageA rapid health awareness among the general public unaware of the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic is imperative and also to encourage COVID appropriate behaviors for better control of COVID-19.

Comparison of Health Education Perspectives of Children and Parents

Aim: In this study, it was aimed to reveal if there is a difference between the two groups by comparing the healtheducation knowledge levels of the children attending the third and fourth grades of primary education and theknowledge levels of their parents. Subject and Method: In this quantitative study, the sample consists of 313children and their parents. Research data were obtained using a scale. In order to determine whether there is adifference between the results of the scale between children and parents, the significance test of the differencebetween the two independent groups was conducted. Results: As a result of the research, no significant differencewas found between the general results of the health education knowledge levels of the children and their parents. Forthe sub-dimensions, there was no significant difference in personal safety and first aid, sleep, mental health and socialrelations sub-dimensions, while a significant difference was found between the average scores of children and theirparents in the sub-dimensions of cleaning and self-care, nutrition, neglect and abuse. Conclusion: For a healthysociety and the future, children's health education and health literacy awareness should start as early as possible andshould be considered as part of the educational process of children.

Serving Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Patients in Audiology-Part 2: Promoting Health Literacy

Serving Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Patients in Audiology-Part 2: Promoting Health Literacy

Determining mental health literacy of undergraduate nursing students to inform learning and teaching strategies.

There is limited research on mental health literacy among undergraduate nursing students in Australia. Overseas studies indicate significant gaps in students' knowledge and practice. The aims of this study were to (1) assess mental health literacy knowledge in undergraduate nursing students and compare these across year levels, and to (2) identify students' learning needs about mental health literacy in practice. A convenience sample of 114 Bachelor of Nursing students studying at one Australian University completed the online survey. Results showed that third-year students reported higher levels of mental health literacy compared to first- and second-year students. Almost 40% of students felt they did not have sufficient understanding of mental health literacy for practice. Most respondents (66.7%) wanted more information on different types of mental illnesses, treatments, how to reduce mental health stigma, and how to care for and communicate with people with mental illness. Students identified that mental health first aid training should be compulsory for all nursing students. Mental health literacy is a crucial area to be addressed in undergraduate nursing education. Explicit content and skill development are required to improve students' awareness of health literacy and inform their practice.

Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Voice: An Updated Readability Analysis

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether voice-related patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) developed and validated since 2011 meet the recommendation by health literacy experts that such materials be written at a fifth-to-sixth grade reading level. A readability analysis of eight voice-related PROMs was conducted. Readability formulas utilized were the Coleman-Liau index, Flesch-Kincaid reading ease, FORCAST, simple measure of Gobbledygook index, and Gunning-Fog score. Three-fourths of the PROMs exceeded the recommended fifth- to sixth-grade reading level. Although awareness of health literacy has grown, voice-related PROMs continue to be developed without full consideration of their reading grade level. Researchers should consider revising or developing PROMs with consideration to reading grade level as well as other features to enhance readability.

A CHAT about health literacy - a qualitative feasibility study of the Conversational Health Literacy Assessment Tool (CHAT) in a Danish municipal healthcare centre.

BackgroundUnderstanding individual health literacy needs is crucial when designing supportive and effective health care. However, tools assessing health literacy in practice are lacking. The Conversational Health Literacy Assessment Tool (CHAT) was recently developed, but its ability to assess health literacy remains unexplored. We aimed to investigate the implementation and adoption of CHAT, its ability to increase awareness of health literacy among healthcare providers, and if CHAT could assess health literacy needs in patients.MethodsWe performed a qualitative feasibility study of CHAT among healthcare providers (nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists) who provide rehabilitation services for patients with noncommunicable diseases in a municipal healthcare centre in Denmark. The study used the RE‐AIM framework (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance) to structure interview guide and analysis. We collected qualitative data from four small focus groups with healthcare providers (n = 11). The data were analysed using a deductive thematic three‐step method for organising and interpreting data. All informants provided written informed consent prior to data collection.ResultsCHAT seems to be a feasible and efficient tool for assessing health literacy needs among individuals with different socio‐demographic characteristics and with different diagnoses. CHAT was easiest implemented and adopted by healthcare providers, who were already familiarly with the concept of health literacy. The informants emphasised that an introduction to CHAT and health literacy as concept was valuable for the adoption. Some of them felt frustrated that they did not have opportunity and options to meet the health literacy needs identified by CHAT.ConclusionsCHAT is a promising tool for assessing individual health literacy needs and increasing awareness of health literacy among healthcare providers. For successfully implementation of CHAT, we recommend developing a structured implementation programme, including an introduction to health literacy and an outline of the options for acting upon CHAT results.

Depression literacy and awareness programs among Bangladeshi students: An online survey

BackgroundPreventing depression and helping individuals to become more resilient to depression, awareness-related programs have been suggested. To implement such programs, depression literacy (D-Lit) assessment is needed. However, little information is known about it in Bangladesh, and this gap was addressed - in the present study. MethodsAn online-based cross-sectional survey was carried out among 404 university students (62.6% male; 69.3% undergraduates, mean age = 22.35 ± 2.69 years). The survey included questions asking about socio-demographics, personal and family depression history, its' stigma and related programs, and the 20-item Bangla Depression Literacy questionnaire. ResultsThe results showed a mean score of 9.30 (SD = 2.75; out of total 20 scores) on the Bangla D-Lit scale. Participants had very limited knowledge of the psychotic symptoms, impact, and management subscales. Moreover, nine items out of the total twenty-items were answered correctly by at least 50% of the participants. There were no significant D-Lit score differences based on gender and past-year personal history, and family depression history. Structural equation modeling indicated that having knowledge about depression and attending depression seminars were positively related to elevated depression literacy. LimitationsThe study has some limitations due to its cross-sectional study nature and modest sample size. In addition, there the assessment of depression did not use a validated psychometric instrument and the D-Lit comprises multiple-choice responses so the real rate of depression literacy may be even lower than that found because participants could have guessed answers that they did not know. ConclusionsFindings from this study suggest that depression literacy was low in the population studied and the findings here will help to facilitate mental health literacy awareness programs in the context of Bangladeshi students as well as those outside the country.