Functional health literacy mediates the relationship between socio-economic status, perceptions and lifestyle behaviors related to cancer risk in an Australian population

Abstract Objective To determine if functional health literacy (FHL) mediates the relationship between socio-economic status, and perception of the risk of lifestyle behaviors for cancer. Methods Cross-sectional, random population survey, 2824 people aged ≥15 years, September–October 2008, included n...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Patient education and counseling 2013-05, Vol.91 (2), p.206-212
Main Authors: Adams, Robert J, Piantadosi, Cynthia, Ettridge, Kerry, Miller, Caroline, Wilson, Carlene, Tucker, Graeme, Hill, Catherine L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Australia - epidemiology
Cancer
Cancer risk
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Health education
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Health Literacy
Humans
Internal Medicine
Life Style
Lifestyle
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasms - epidemiology
Nursing
Perception
Perceptions
Residence Characteristics
Risk Factors
Risk perception
Social Class
Socioeconomic Factors
Socioeconomic status
Structural equation model
Young Adult
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Summary:Abstract Objective To determine if functional health literacy (FHL) mediates the relationship between socio-economic status, and perception of the risk of lifestyle behaviors for cancer. Methods Cross-sectional, random population survey, 2824 people aged ≥15 years, September–October 2008, included newest vital sign measure of FHL. Results Less than adequate FHL occurred in 45.1%. People who perceived behavioral factors (smoking, diet, obesity, alcohol, physical activity) to be not important, or did not know if they were important cancer risks, were more likely to have inadequate FHL. In a logistic regression model adjusted for age, gender, education, income, occupation, country of birth and area of residence, inadequate FHL was associated with 2–3 (OR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.2–3.0) and 4 or more self-reported lifestyle risk factors (OR = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.6–5.0). In a structural equation model of the relationship of socio-economic status, perceptions of risk and behaviors there was significant mediation effect of FHL on the path from SES to health perceptions, estimated 29.4% of the total effect. Conclusion A specific focus on the literacy demands made on individuals from health promotion and materials with a view to improving health communication is indicated. Practice implications Health literacy is important for health promotion.
ISSN:0738-3991
1873-5134
DOI:10.1016/j.pec.2012.12.001