Health Literacy Among Young People in Africa: Evidence Synthesis

Adamu Amanu A; Zewdie Birhanu; Ameyu Godesso

doi:10.2147/RMHP.S399196

Health Literacy Among Young People in Africa: Evidence Synthesis

Risk Manag Healthc Policy. 2023 Mar 23:16:425-437. doi: 10.2147/RMHP.S399196. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Adamu Amanu A¹, Zewdie Birhanu¹, Ameyu Godesso²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Health, Behaviour, and Society, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia.
² Department of Sociology, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia.

Abstract

Background: Health literacy has critical health implications. Health literacy in young people is a pressing matter as it determines their current and future health. Although health literacy research is increasing, there are limited health literacy studies from Africa. The aim of this study was to provide a coherent summary and synthesis of the available health literacy studies among young people in Africa.

Methods: A systematic scoping review was chosen to attain the aim of this study. PubMed, CINAHL, AJOL, JBI EBP, EBSCO, and Google Scholar were searched for evidence. Based on JBI's methodology for reviews, a three-step search strategy was employed. The search was conducted up to April 20, 2022. The PRISMA flow diagram guideline was used to ensure a transparent reporting of the review process.

Results: The search for evidence identified 386 records, of which 53 were selected and their full texts were assessed for eligibility. Nine studies matched the eligibility criteria. The main findings of the eligible studies are: health literacy levels, association between health literacy and health outcomes, and predictors of health literacy among young people. Low health literacy was common among young people, and there was a significant association between low health literacy and negative health outcomes among this group. Health literacy among young people was impacted by a wide range of socio-demographic factors.

Conclusion: Health literacy studies among young people in Africa were rare. Although the reviewed studies shed some light on health literacy levels, the association between health literacy and health outcomes, and the predictors of health literacy among young people, they may not give an accurate picture of health literacy among young people, for several reasons. Both primary and secondary health literacy studies are needed to fully understand the issue, and to develop and guide policies and interventions in Africa.

Keywords: Africa; developing countries; health literacy; scoping review; young people.

Publication types

Review