Literacy Program Research Articles

Mental health literacy in German teachers – What do they know? What do they need?

Abstract Background Preventing mental health problems and promoting mental wellbeing is the aim of school-based mental health literacy (MHL) programs. Previous research suggests that good MHL (knowledge and skills regarding mental health, resilience, and help-seeking) helps people to take good care of their own and others’ mental health and use support-services. In this context the MHL of teachers is highly relevant, as they act as role models and interact with affected pupils on a regular basis, for which certain knowledge and skills are necessary. In this study, we therefore seek to investigate the level of MHL in German high-school teachers as well as their exposure to impaired students and their desire for further education on pupils’ mental health. Methods The data are collected as part of an effectiveness study of a school-based intervention to strengthen MHL (BEWARE), which was developed by our working group. We collect data from teachers who are involved in BEWARE as coaches as well as from those not directly involved (n ≈ 300). Data collection takes place online at three measurement timepoints (6 months apart each). For the analysis presented here, data of the first measurement timepoint with respect to MHL, skills in handling affected students and wishes for additional education on pupils’ mental health are included. Results As the data collection is still ongoing, statistical analyses are not yet completed. We will present data on the current state of knowledge on MHL in German teachers as well as their abilities to deal with affected pupils and their wish for further education. In addition, we will relate the number of affected pupils they teach to depict the relevance in their daily life at school to the above-mentioned measures. Conclusions The acquired data and respective analyses will give us important insights about the objective and subjective need of MHL training in schoolteachers (based on assessed knowledge and their reported wish of additional education). Key messages • Our study will give us important insights about the objective need of MHL training in high-school teachers based on assessed knowledge. • Our results will depict which formats of training teachers would prefer for additional education on pupils’ mental health, which will be a valuable basis for the development of future programs.

Youth voices: A participatory approach to promoting mental health literacy through digital means

Abstract A concerning number of young people worldwide experience mental health challenges, often compounded by limited mental health literacy, such as a lack of knowledge about how to recognize mental disorders and strategies for seeking help (Cairns & Rossetto, 2019). Therefore, it is crucial to promote mental health literacy among youth. Due to the scarcity and often high cost of readily available mental health services, as well as concerns about anonymity, digital programs have become an alternative means of reaching youth. To this end, a digital prevention program was developed. The pivotal question now is how to effectively promote young people’s mental health literacy through digital means, more specifically: How to develop (1) evidence-based and (2) target group-specific content? To investigate these questions, two systematic reviews were conducted that analyzed a total of 65 digital evidence-based mental health programs. Since the active use of programs also depends on how suitable and appealing the content is for the target group, a participatory approach was chosen to actively involve the target group in the process of developing the program’s design and content. Therefore, four participatory workshops were conducted in Slovenia, Poland, and Austria, with 12-15-year-old students (N = 182). Selected results from the systematic reviews and cross-national results from the workshops will be presented. It was found that psychoeducation is an important and effective method for promoting mental health literacy among youth and that young people prefer this content to be delivered as briefly and concisely as possible, and in a multimodal format. The discussion will highlight key takeaways regarding the benefits and challenges of this approach, emphasizing the necessity of including student voices in the creation of psychoeducational content for a digital mental health program in order to highlight and recognize young people’s right to participate. Key messages • The value of youth participation - Involving young people in the development of content for a digital mental health literacy program is a means to increase its relevance and appeal to them. • The intricacies of youth participation - Involving young people in the development of a digital mental health literacy program presents challenges that require careful consideration.

Assessing cyberchondria and eHealth literacy differences in urban and rural China

Abstract Background and Objectives This study aimed to explore the association between cyberchondria and eHealth literacy in the general Chinese population, and to assess how this relationship changes between urban and rural residents. Methods Data obtained from a web-based, cross-sectional survey that evaluate cyberchondria and its impact on health in February 2024. The Cyberchondria Severity Scale - 12 item was used to measure the cyberchondria, while the eHealth Literacy Scale was used to evaluate eHealth literacy. Descriptive analysis was used to describe the background characteristics of the participants. Then, a multivariable linear regression model was then performed for urban and rural subsample to examine the relationship between cyberchondria and eHealth literacy, respectively, providing a comparative analysis between the urban and rural populations. Results A total of 634 individuals completed the questionnaire. The average age was 33.2 years (SD = 7.4), with approximately 50.3% (n = 319) being female. Urban residents made up 71.4% (n = 451) of the participants. The mean eHEALS scores for urban and rural residents were 31.9 (SD = 4.3) and 30.4 (SD = 4.2), respectively. The CSS-12 scores for urban residents were 40.3 (SD = 7.58) and for rural residents were 39.1 (SD = 7.2). Linear regression analyses showed a significant association between eHealth literacy and cyberchondria for urban residents (Beta = 0.30, p < 0.001), but age and education level had no significant impact. For rural residents, a statistically significant association between eHealth literacy and cyberchondria was also observed (Beta = 0.40, p = 0.002). Conclusions Overall, eHealth literacy consistently predicts cyberchondria severity in both urban and rural samples. Higher eHealth literacy is linked to greater cyberchondria, especially in rural areas. Future research should explore other potential mediators, including psychological factors, internet usage patterns, and access to healthcare services. Key messages • eHealth literacy strongly predicts cyberchondria severity in both urban and rural populations, with a notably stronger impact observed in rural settings. • Urban and rural differences highlight the need for customized digital health literacy programs to effectively address region-specific challenges and behaviors.

9.B. Scientific session: Promoting health in the digital age: a room to improve health literacy and digital health literacy?

Abstract The workshop aims to explore innovative approaches to promoting health literacy and digital health literacy and their impact on individual and community health outcomes at different stages of life. This initiative is driven by the recognition that digital platforms and tools offer unprecedented opportunities to improve population health through health education and behavior change. The workshop will feature a dynamic and interactive format starting from plenary sessions in which speakers will provide insights into digital health promotion best practices and their outcomes, offering diverse perspectives. The added value of organizing this workshop lies in its comprehensive approach to integrating digital tools into health prevention strategies, particularly for addressing childhood smoking. By examining innovative digital interventions, the workshop provides a platform for sharing insights and strategies that leverage technology to promote healthier lifestyles among youth. This is increasingly pertinent as digital platforms become central in the daily interactions of young people. The coherence between the presentations revolves around the theme of enhancing digital health literacy as a preventive measure against health issues. The first presentation sets the stage by exploring digital tools that educate and engage young people about the dangers of smoking. The subsequent session builds on this by assessing the current state of digital health education and literacy, emphasizing the need for curriculum integration and better training for educators to support these initiatives effectively. Finally, the meta-analysis presentation ties everything together by evaluating the effectiveness of these digital interventions across various demographics, offering evidence-based recommendations for tailoring health literacy programs to diverse needs. Together, these presentations form a cohesive narrative on the critical role of digital literacy in health prevention, illustrating a clear pathway from educational content to educational infrastructure, and culminating in broad-based intervention strategies that can be adapted to different settings and populations. This coherence enhances the workshop’s impact, providing attendees with a well-rounded understanding of how digital tools can be harnessed to foster long-term health improvements from an early age. Live Q&A sessions will encourage dialogue between speakers and attendees, enhancing the learning experience. By combining expert knowledge with interactive discussions, the workshop aims to share insights needed to implement effective digital health promotion strategies. Key messages • The role of health literacy and digital health literacy in improving health outcomes demands that the efficacy of the most effective strategies be evaluated. • Digital tools offer opportunities for innovative health promotion approaches and tools.

Project Health Resilience: a health literacy programme for 16–19-year-olds delivered by doctors

Abstract Background Project Health Resilience is an education-setting based health literacy pilot for Londoners aged 16-19. This is a transitional age when young people independently engage with health services. Greater health literacy levels improve use of preventive services, successful management of long-term health conditions and reduce emergency service use. Research during the COVID pandemic also demonstrated the importance of building trust with health professionals to reduce health inequalities. The impact of poor health literacy is observed universally. This intervention was developed to empower young people at a critical time. Methods 3 bespoke modules (healthcare access; medical emergencies; mental health resilience) were co-produced with young people and delivered by doctors. During 2023, 46 sessions were carried out with 712 attendances across 8 London settings. A mixed-methods approach, including questionnaires and interviews, was used for the evaluation. The study explored whether taking part resulted in increased awareness of services, knowledge, confidence and trust in health professionals. Results Participants reported that topics filled a crucial gap in their learning. Awareness and confidence increased for: awareness of different health services (increase of 18%) and mental health services (38%), confidence calling emergency services (13%), confidence dealing with medical (34%) or mental health emergencies (40%). Knowledge questions answered correctly increased across the 3 modules (46% pre vs 60% post). Trust levels increased and findings suggest that doctors delivering sessions was a key component. Conclusions Findings add to the evidence base around education-setting based health interventions improving health literacy. Providing a unique opportunity for adolescents to engage with health professionals can increase trust levels. Doctors delivering health education at this critical age is a pioneering model which can be replicated in other settings. Key messages • Health literacy education is particularly impactful at this critical age of transition; this can contribute to reducing health inequities across the life course. • Trust, collaboration, and co-production were core principles upon which this pilot thrived. Without input from young people, it is difficult to design appropriate and impactful interventions.

Mental health matters: Evaluating the preparedness of sport psychologists to incorporate within their role.

Mental health has become increasingly important for the applied sport psychologist, a factor which may include screening, promoting literacy, individual support, and educational programs. However, despite of this importance, few checks have been made on the perceived preparedness of sport psychologists to undertake this work and whether differences may exist between those recently qualified compared to experienced practitioners. Underpinned by the theoretical domains framework, 62 Health and Care Professions Council registered practitioner sport and exercise psychologists (30 females: age: M=46.13years and SD=10.44years and 32 males: age: M=43.25years and SD=10.47years) completed an online survey to assess whether they felt equipped to address the mental health dimension of their work. The survey comprised three sections: Demographic and background information, a series of statements (n=31) adapted from the determinants of implementation behavior questionnaire, and three questions with space for free text comments, inviting participants to explain their level of preparedness to incorporate and deliver mental health interventions. A 6×12 analyses of variance yielded significant differences between domain ratings but not across levels of experience or interactions. Data from free text comments were analyzed thematically and categorized into the following three themes: (a) complementing the performance role, (b) awareness of professional boundaries, and (c) importance of further continued professional development. Combined, although practitioners emphasized importance, preparedness ratings ranged from neutral to somewhat agree, calling for further specific sport psychology-based mental health training.

The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health of Young Adults: A Literature Review

This concept paper explores the complex relationship between social media usage and the mental health of young adults. The paper introduces the notion of social media and its significance in the lives of young adult, emphasizing the importance of studying its effects on their mental health and psychological well-being. Social media platforms have become an integral part of daily activities in the lives of young people. It has also become an invasive element in the lives of youth, shaping their social interactions, self-perception, and access to lots of information. Even though these platforms offer opportunities for social connection, creative expression, and educational engagement, they also present significant mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, which are often driven by social comparison, cyberbullying, and the pressure to maintain an idealized online image. The paper investigates key areas of concern, including the rise of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem linked to social comparison, cyberbullying, and the relentless pursuit of online validation. It also examines the addictive nature of social media, its impact on sleep, and the destruction of face-to-face social skills. By analysing existing literature and identifying research gaps, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the two-edged nature of social media's influence on mental health. It advocates for the development of digital literacy programs, mental health support systems, and balanced usage strategies to help young people navigate the challenges posed by social media while maximizing its potential benefits.

The Impact of Student Attitude on Information, Communication, Creation Skills and Student Engagement

The Malaysian education system is guided by the Malaysia Education Blueprint, which drives the overall quality and effectiveness of education in the country. This study provides insights and assists in forming informed guidelines for the Ministry of Education regarding the impact of skill factors. The relationship between the direct effects of these three primary skills and attitudes is supported by Self-Efficacy Theory (SET). The indirect relationship, where attitude mediates the effects of these skills on student engagement, is supported by Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). A questionnaire was distributed to local university students currently in their fourth semester and analyzed using the Structural Equation Model using Partial Least Square (PLS). The structural model results direct relationship between attitude and student engagement and between information skills and attitude. In addition, the mediation analysis shows that the relationship between information skills and student engagement, mediated by student attitude, was significant. Based on these results, it is recommended that the Ministry of Education focus on providing supportive resources, such as learning environments and training for educators, in the upcoming Malaysia Education Blueprint for 2026 to 2036. Additionally, offering Digital Literacy Programs to equip students with information skills can positively influence student attitudes and thereby increase the level of student engagement, which is crucial for improving the academic performance and achievement of Malaysia’s educational system. Future research should include a cross-cultural comparison to reconsider educational theories for Asian countries, as many theories are currently based on Western educational settings and contexts.

Evaluation of the Impact of Economic Empowerment Initiatives on Poverty Alleviation among Youth and Women's Groups: A Case Study of the Arusha Region, Tanzania

Globally, the Women and Youth Development Fund, channeled through women's groups, has played a crucial role in fostering economic empowerment for women and youth. In Tanzania, population growth has introduced both opportunities and challenges, with a significant issue being the rise in unemployment and poverty, particularly among women and youth. To address these challenges, the Women, Youth, and People with Disabilities Revolving Fund (WYDF) was established within Local Government Authorities (LGAs) to provide accessible loans to the poor, who are often excluded from conventional financial institutions. This study investigates the effectiveness of economic empowerment initiatives in alleviating poverty among youth and women's groups in the Arusha Region, Tanzania. Specifically, it examines the impact of start-up capital provision, financial literacy training, and business capacity-building on poverty reduction. The study employed a survey research design with a quantitative approach, collecting data from 95 respondents through questionnaires. Purposive sampling was used to select the sample. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and SPSS software, with regression analysis employed to explore the relationships between variables influencing poverty reduction among the targeted groups. The findings reveal that start-up capital provision, financial literacy training, and business capacity-building significantly contribute to poverty reduction among youth and women's groups. The study recommends enhanced financial literacy programs to enable entrepreneurs to save and accumulate sufficient capital for business investments. Additionally, the government, through youth and women empowerment programs, should continue providing training, particularly to those without technical skills, focusing on new production techniques, efficient fund allocation, and marketing strategies to ensure sustainable impacts.

Effect of Tax Literacy on Consumption Taxes Compliance among Retailers in Starehe Sub County Nairobi, Kenya

Purpose: The ultimate purpose of Kenyan government is to raise sufficient revenue to finance its expenditure. There have been continuous reforms in the administration of consumption taxes. Government is unable to adequately raise revenue through tax collection and hence the need for this study. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of tax literacy on consumption taxes compliance among retailers in Starehe sub -county Nairobi, Kenya. The study was guided by Theory of Planned Behaviour. Methodology: Explanatory research design was adopted and the target population of this study was 4639 retailers in Starehe sub -county Nairobi, with a sample size of 368 respondents. Primary data was collected by use of questionnaires. In this study, 276 out of 368 distributed questionnaires were accurately completed and returned, reflecting a 75% response rate. The statistics generated was descriptive and inferential statistics that was analyzed using correlation and linear regression. Results: The study showed that tax literacy (β = 0. 189, p < 0.05) significantly improve consumption tax compliance. Conclusion: The study recommended that the KRA should launch comprehensive tax literacy programs aimed at educating retailers about consumption tax regulations and their benefits.

Sharenting Ethics in Indonesian Family Communication Through Cultural Values of Digital Parenting

This research examines the phenomenon of sharenting (sharing-parenting) in the Indonesian cultural context, focusing on how traditional values influence digital parenting practices. This research uses a comprehensive literature study methodology to analyse the intersection between local wisdom and digital communication ethics in care. This study reveals that Indonesian parents practice sharenting through three main cultural pillars: harmony, unggah ungguh, and tepo seliro. These values significantly shape how information about children is shared on social media, creating patterns that differ from Western individualistic approaches. The findings show that parenting practices in Indonesia's digital era are firmly rooted in collective cultural values, where sharing information about children is not simply seen as personal documentation but as part of communal responsibility. This research identifies unique challenges in balancing traditional values with digital privacy concerns, especially in how Indonesian parents interpret and implement privacy boundaries within their collective cultural framework. This study contributes to developing a culturally sensitive ethical framework for digital parenting in Indonesia, emphasizing a balance between traditional values and modern digital practices. Findings suggest practical sharing guidelines in Indonesia must integrate collective cultural values while addressing contemporary digital privacy concerns. Furthermore, this research proposes practical recommendations for implementing culturally appropriate digital literacy programs and developing policies that protect children's interests while respecting traditional family values.

Social Media and Digital Inequity: Reducing Health Inequities by Closing the Digital Divide

As its usage has grown, social media has positively and negatively impacted public health. Although social media presents known harms to mental health and spreads misinformation, it also offers rapid dissemination of public health information, expanded access to health resources, and a robust source of health information. However, these benefits are not equitably shared due in part to the “digital divide” of unequal access and use of information and communication technologies. Measurable inequalities in digital access exist among regions, with an eight-fold difference between Central Africa (9.8% social media penetration) and Northern Europe (80.2% social media penetration). Digital inequalities also differ by gender, age, and socioeconomic classes within countries. Increased digital access has been positively associated with improved health information and outcomes related to chronic diseases, infectious disease outbreaks, and reproductive health. Given the expanding role of social media in public health and the emerging evidence on the health benefits of digital access, we argue for reducing digital inequities by (1) creating an enabling government policy and regulatory environment that views digital health access as a social determinant of health; (2) targeting public and private investments to expand digital access for underserved regions and populations; (3) making digital access and use affordable to low-resource populations; and (4) improving digital competency among these groups through digital literacy programs.

Peningkatan Minat Literasi Melalui Kegiatan Literasi Numerasi dan Literasi Digital

The Community Service Program with the theme "Literacy Village" is part of an effort to overcome this challenge. Through Kukerta MBKM (Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka), students are expected to be able to contribute directly to the development of literacy culture in villages in need. This activity aims to improve the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills of village communities, especially students. Jake Village, located in Kuantan Tengah District, Kuantan Singingi Regency, in the context of developing the Literacy Village program. With the increasing demands of the digital era, it is important for village communities to master numeracy literacy and digital literacy as a basis for facing challenges and taking advantage of existing opportunities. Jake Village, which is faced with educational challenges, where the literacy level of the population still needs to be improved. Therefore, the numeracy literacy and digital literacy programs are expected to provide access to the community to understand and apply basic technological concepts that are essential in everyday life. The method applied to increase interest in literacy is by providing an understanding of reading, numeracy, and digital literacy. The results achieved are that the school is able to make this literacy program a weekly routine that makes this program sustainable. It can be concluded that literacy interest can be built in various ways, one of which is providing an understanding to the community and students about the importance of reading, numeracy, and digital literacy.

Amplifying School Mental Health Literacy Through Neuroscience Education

Children and adolescents face a wide variety of developmental changes and environmental challenges, and it is estimated that at least one in five children aged 3–17 will experience behavioral or mental health issues. This period of life coincides with major changes in brain structure and function that have profound long-term consequences for learning, decision-making (including risk taking), and emotional processing. For example, continued development of the prefrontal cortex in adolescence is a sensitive period during which individuals are particularly susceptible to risky behaviors, environmental stressors, and substance use. While recent advances in mental health literacy programs have paved the way for increased awareness of the benefits of mental health curricula in schools, these efforts could be greatly bolstered with support in basic neuroscience education in developmentally appropriate and area-specific content. Here, we provide a discussion on the basic structural and functional changes occurring in the brain throughout childhood, how this contributes to changes in cognitive function, and the risk factors posed by early life adversity, stress, and drug use. Finally, we provide a perspective on the benefits of integrating findings from the field of neuroscience and suggestions for tools to better equip students, teachers, administrators, and school mental health staff to provide new directions for addressing the mental health crises faced by millions of children and youth each year.

COUNTERING DISINFORMATION POLICY: CHALLENGES FOR UKRAINE’S NATIONAL SECURITY

he article examines the problems of combating disinformation in the conditions of a modern full-scale war and overcoming the challenges facing the national security of Ukraine. The concept of disinformation, its impact on public consciousness and the key mechanisms of the spread of false information are outlined. The main directions of the policy of combating disinformation aimed at ensuring information security and resistance to information attacks have been studied. The importance of the development of media literacy among the population as one of the main tools for countering disinformation campaigns through educational programs and social interaction is revealed. The experience of combating disinformation in the developed countries of the world, the USA and the countries of the European Union, is analyzed. The role of state and international initiatives, the cooperation of governments with technology companies, as well as the implementation of legislative mechanisms are highlighted. The main tools aimed at regulating the spread of false information in the information space are revealed. The study emphasizes the importance of active cooperation with international partners to ensure an effective fight against disinformation at the global level. Special attention is paid to the role of international organizations in the formation of a unified strategy for countering disinformation attacks. Prospects for attracting international support for the development of national information protection systems and Ukraine's participation in global information security initiatives are being considered. Proposed means of an effective policy of combating disinformation, which combine legislative, technical and educational measures. The methods of ensuring resistance to external information threats are characterized. Particular attention is paid to media literacy programs, which have become important elements of national strategies in the fight against fakes and disinformation attacks. The article considers the possibilities of implementing international experience in Ukraine with the aim of strengthening national information security. The expediency of developing complex programs, including the strengthening of modern means of monitoring the information space and raising the level of critical thinking among the population, is analyzed. Emphasis is placed on the need to create a national security strategy for combating disinformation, which will allow effective response to new threats and ensure information security in the conditions of modern warfare.

Pilot evaluation of an innovative school-based mental health literacy program for teachers and students: The Decode Mental Health and Wellbeing Program

Pilot evaluation of an innovative school-based mental health literacy program for teachers and students: The Decode Mental Health and Wellbeing Program

AI-Powered customer experience optimization: Enhancing financial inclusion in underserved communities

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into customer experience optimization holds transformative potential for advancing financial inclusion in underserved communities. This review explores how AI-driven tools can enhance personalized banking services, streamline customer engagement, and improve access to financial products for individuals who are often marginalized by traditional banking systems. By leveraging AI algorithms, financial institutions can analyze vast amounts of customer data to identify unique needs, preferences, and behaviors, enabling the delivery of tailored financial solutions. These AI-powered systems can also automate routine tasks, such as account management and customer support, ensuring that banking services are more accessible, efficient, and cost-effective. A key benefit of AI in this context is its ability to overcome barriers such as geographic isolation and lack of financial literacy, which often hinder financial inclusion. AI-driven chatbots, for instance, can provide 24/7 support in local languages, guiding users through complex financial processes. Moreover, AI enables the creation of personalized financial literacy programs, tailored to the specific needs of underserved populations, fostering a deeper understanding of financial products and encouraging greater participation in the financial system. Additionally, AI-powered fraud detection systems enhance trust and security in financial transactions, a critical factor in encouraging participation from communities traditionally skeptical of formal banking systems. The use of predictive analytics further supports the development of micro-loans and credit products suited to the financial realities of low-income individuals, reducing default rates and improving access to capital. In conclusion, AI-powered customer experience optimization offers a powerful strategy for financial institutions seeking to expand their reach into underserved communities. By providing personalized, efficient, and secure banking experiences, AI can significantly contribute to financial inclusion efforts, driving economic empowerment and reducing inequalities. This study highlights the critical role of AI in reshaping financial services and creating inclusive opportunities for underserved populations. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Financial Inclusion, Customer Experience Optimization, Underserved Communities, Personalized Banking, AI-Powered Tools, Financial Literacy, Fraud Detection, Predictive Analytics, Economic Empowerment.

Psychological flexibility and celiac disease in adolescents: Understanding adherence and well-being for enhanced care. A rapid narrative review

Abstract Background Psychological flexibility (PF) has been approached as a mediator between health conditions and outcomes by promoting positive responses and healthier behavior repertoires. Purpose This rapid narrative review examines studies exploring the role of PF in influencing celiac disease outcomes among adolescents, with a particular focus on adherence to dietary management practices. Method Online databases were searched for studies exploring possible connections between PF, celiac manifestation, and management presented by adolescents. Selected articles have entered the analysis to highlight whether PF mediates or affects celiac-related outcomes in adolescents. Conclusions Adolescents demonstrate a greater capacity to organize their daily routines effectively while adhering to gluten-free diets. However, the emphasis on PF can significantly impact their social interactions. Although there is much research to be conducted on this possible connection, there are still primary assumptions that support the idea that PF can also be a factor in helping adolescents with celiac disease navigate the challenges of their illness and maintain a quality of life. Healthcare professionals can find value in incorporating elements from supporting therapies, health literacy programs, and health promotion strategies. Furthermore, insights from the review suggest the importance of standardizing interventions and measurements including counseling practices at the primary care level.

Positive impact of an inpatient early childhood literacy programme on literacy practices and family experience in a paediatric heart centre.

CHD predisposes children to neurodevelopmental delays. Frequent, prolonged hospitalisations during infancy prevent children with heart disease from participating in recommended language and cognitive development programmes, such as outpatient early childhood literacy programmes, and contribute to caregiver stress, a risk factor for adverse developmental outcomes. This study aims to describe the implementation of a single-centre inpatient early childhood literacy programme for hospitalised infants with heart disease and assess its impact on reading practices and patient-family hospital experience. Admitted infants ≤1 year old receive books, a calendar to track reading frequency, and reading guidance at regular intervals. Voluntary feedback is solicited from caregivers using an anonymous, QR-code survey on books. A prospective survey also assessed programme impact on hospital experience. From February 2021 to November 2023, the Books@Heart programme provided 1,293 books to families of 840 infants, of whom 110 voluntarily submitted feedback. Caregivers reported a significant improvement in access to books (p < 0.001) and increased reading frequency after learning about Books@Heart (p = 0.003), with the proportion reading to their child daily increasing from 27% to 62%. Among 40 prospective survey responses, caregivers reported feeling a sense of personal fulfillment (60%), self-confidence (30%), connection (98%), and personal well-being (40%) while reading to their child. An inpatient early childhood literacy programme is a well-received intervention for infants with heart disease that promotes development, improves book access, increases reading exposure, and engages families. Further studies are needed to assess its impact on sustained reading practices and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Analysing the behaviour change techniques in an effective food literacy program to inform future program design.

Food literacy programs aim to improve food related skills and knowledge and are selected Governments as a strategy to address dietary intakes at a community level. The purpose of this research is to identify behaviour change techniques in a food literacy program, which were assessed by the achievement of participant goals related to food literacy and dietary behaviour changes. Consensus methods were applied to map behaviour change techniques to an adult food literacy program. A second phase investigation applied content analysis of participant process evaluation data (collected between 2016 and June 2021) to align target behaviours and behaviour change techniques. Chi-square and ANCOVA were used to assess the statistically significant demographic characteristics, food literacy, and dietary behaviour scores for participants who set goals and recorded changes. A total of 4697 program participants provided evaluation data from the 4-week food literacy program. Participants who set goals and made changes were statistically more likely to have higher food literacy factor scores (p < 0.001) and fruit serves (p = 0.004). Statistical analysis showed that participants were more likely to have set goals and recorded changes if they were female (p < 0.001), older (p < 0.001), higher education level (p < 0.001), had a higher socioeconomic status (p = 0.049), lived with children (p = 0.014), were born in Australia (p = 0.019), or did not identify as Indigenous (p < 0.001). The behaviour change technique mapping process identified nine techniques used weekly and a total of 22 techniques used over the entire 4 week program curriculum. This is the first Australian study to link the contribution of behaviour change techniques to food literacy and dietary behaviour change in an established effective food literacy program. Knowing the behaviour change techniques associated with effective programs will facilitate replication of effective interventions.