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https://hdl.handle.net/2440/57441
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Type: | Journal article |
Title: | Risks associated with low functional health literacy in an Australian population |
Author: | Adams, R. Appleton, S. Hill, C. Dodd, M. Findlay, C. Wilson, D. |
Citation: | Medical Journal of Australia, 2009; 191(10):530-534 |
Publisher: | Australasian Med Publ Co Ltd |
Issue Date: | 2009 |
ISSN: | 0025-729X 0025-729X |
Statement of Responsibility: | Robert J Adams, Sarah L Appleton, Catherine L Hill, Mark Dodd, Christopher Findlay and David H Wilson |
Abstract: | Objective: To measure the level of functional health literacy (FHL) in an Australian population, and to explore the level of risk associated with level of FHL. Design, setting and participants: Cross-sectional, random population survey administered to 2824 South Australians aged ≥ 15 years, September – October 2008. Main outcome measures: Newest Vital Sign as a measure of FHL, self-reported general health status, and use of health services. Results: 24% of respondents were at risk of limited FHL, and 21% had a high likelihood of inadequate FHL; this increased with age (≥ 65 years, 50% v 25–44 years, 11%). In multiple logistic regression models, a high likelihood of inadequate FHL was significantly more common among those with lower education (left school ≤ 15 years of age, odds ratio [OR], 8.1; 95% CI, 4.8–13.6); with lower annual income (< $20 000, OR, 4.1; 95% CI, 2.3–7.4); who were born in countries other than Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Ireland; and with poorer health status (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2–2.2). Inadequate FHL was significantly less common among females (OR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.5–0.8). People with inadequate or at-risk FHL were significantly more likely to report having diabetes, cardiac disease or stroke, and significantly less likely to have recently attended a doctor. Respondents aged ≥ 65 years with inadequate FHL were more likely to have been admitted to hospital (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.1–4.5). Conclusion: Many Australians are likely to have limited health literacy, and this is a risk to effective health care delivery and health improvement across the community. |
Keywords: | Humans Health Surveys Risk Factors Cross-Sectional Studies Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Health Status Residence Characteristics Health Education Socioeconomic Factors Adolescent Adult Aged Middle Aged Health Services Australia Female Male Young Adult |
DOI: | 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2009.tb03304.x |
Description (link): | http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/191_10_161109/nut10984_fm.html |
Published version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.2009.tb03304.x |
Appears in Collections: | Aurora harvest Medicine publications |
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