Assessment of health literacy among migrant populations in Southern Spain: A cross-sectional study

Nurs Open. 2023 Apr;10(4):2600-2610. doi: 10.1002/nop2.1520. Epub 2022 Dec 8.

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to measure of health literacy in the migrant population and establish a type of immigrant profile with a higher risk of presenting low levels of health literacy.

Design: A cross-sectional descriptive study.

Methods: Health literacy was measured in a total of 278 immigrants using HLS-EU-Q16. An inferential descriptive and multiple regression analysis was carried out.

Results: 65.1% having inadequate and problematic health literacy. Significant correlations were found between health literacy and length of stay in Spain (r = .398), age (r = .178p) and perceived social status (r = .151). Participants with shorter length of stay (β = .405 1), without health sciences education (β = .205) and low education level (β = .182) had limited health literacy.

Keywords: assessment; health literacy; migrants.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Health Literacy*
  • Humans
  • Spain
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Transients and Migrants*