Cultivating Connections With Marginalized Young People Though Health Literacy: A Systematic Review

• Published in: Journal of adolescent health 2017-02, Vol.60 (2), p.S42-S42
• Main Authors: Robards, Fiona J., MPH, Kang, Melissa, MD, PhD, Usherwood, Tim, MD, PhD, Sanci, Lena A., MD, PhD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ability; Access; Caregivers; Confidentiality; Costing; Developed countries; Disability; Effectiveness; Embarrassment; Empowerment; Health behavior; Health care expenditures; Health disparities; Health literacy; Health planning; Health problems; Health services; Health status; Help seeking behavior; Homeless people; Hospitalization; Indigenous peoples; Inequality; Information seeking behavior; Information technology; Literacy programs; Literacy skills; Low income groups; Marginality; Medical technology; Minority groups; Participatory action research; Pediatrics; Research methodology; Sexuality; Skills; Systematic review; Tests; Young adults; Youth
• ISSN: 1054-139X; 1879-1972
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2016.10.266

The skills and attributes that comprise an individual's health literacy determine their ability to access and benefit from the health system. Poor health literacy results in less healthy choices, poorer health, less self-management and more hospitalization, costing the health system more (WHO. 2013). The healthcare system is complex. particularly for young people who are moving towards independence and self-management. Young people are not well prepared for the dual challenge of developing healthy lifestyles and learning to navigate complex health systems (WHO, 2013). Limited health literacy can further reinforce existing inequalities for marginalized young people. At the same time, technology access is increasing globally, providing new opportunities for young people to seek information about health and services. This systematic review sought to identify the factors that support or hinder marginalized young people's health literacy in the digital age. Three databases (Medline, CINAHL and Psychlnfo) were searched to identify original research in any language from developed countries, published between 2006 to june 2016. The papers examined health literacy and marginalized young people aged 12 to 24 years. their parents or professionals. Grey literature was identified by Coogle and Coogle Scholar searches. After screening, six studies were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria. Authors reviewed all abstracts and analysed findings using the PRISMA guidelines. Studies were from Australia, the United States and Canada with varying groups of marginalized young people. Three considered rural young people, three indigenous and two, young people of refugee background. One study also considered a range of other marginalized groups (including homeless: sexuality and gender diverse: young carers: low income: and young people with a disability). The studies used a range of qualitative, mixed and participatory action research methods to evaluate the effectiveness of a health literacy program or investigate health literacy skills. One study considered the use of technology as a potential way to reach marginalized young people and found services providers lack skills in using technologies. indicating a need for training. Factors that support or hinder marginalized young people's health literacy included : 1. The ability to recognise and understand health issues 2. Attitudes towards help-seeking - including confidentiality concerns. preference for informal support.