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The Association among Literacy, Numeracy, HIV Knowledge and Health-Seeking Behavior: A Population-Based Survey of Women in Rural Mozambique

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  • Philip J Ciampa
  • Lara ME Vaz
  • Meridith Blevins
  • Moshin Sidat
  • Russell L Rothman
  • Sten H Vermund
  • Alfredo E Vergara

Abstract

Background: Limited literacy skills are common in the United States (US) and are related to lower HIV knowledge and worse health behaviors and outcomes. The extent of these associations is unknown in countries like Mozambique, where no rigorously validated literacy and numeracy measures exist. Methods: A validated measure of literacy and numeracy, the Wide Range Achievement Test, version 3 (WRAT-3) was translated into Portuguese, adapted for a Mozambican context, and administered to a cross-section of female heads-of-household during a provincially representative survey conducted from August 8 to September 25, 2010. Construct validity of each subscale was examined by testing associations with education, income, and possession of socioeconomic assets, stratified by Portuguese speaking ability. Multivariable regression models estimated the association among literacy/numeracy and HIV knowledge, self-reported HIV testing, and utilization of prenatal care. Results: Data from 3,557 women were analyzed; 1,110 (37.9%) reported speaking Portuguese. Respondents’ mean age was 31.2; 44.6% lacked formal education, and 34.3% reported no income. Illiteracy was common (50.4% of Portuguese speakers, 93.7% of non-Portuguese speakers) and the mean numeracy score (10.4) corresponded to US kindergarten-level skills. Literacy or numeracy was associated (p

Suggested Citation

  • Philip J Ciampa & Lara ME Vaz & Meridith Blevins & Moshin Sidat & Russell L Rothman & Sten H Vermund & Alfredo E Vergara, 2012. "The Association among Literacy, Numeracy, HIV Knowledge and Health-Seeking Behavior: A Population-Based Survey of Women in Rural Mozambique," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(6), pages 1-8, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0039391
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0039391
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. McTavish, Sarah & Moore, Spencer & Harper, Sam & Lynch, John, 2010. "National female literacy, individual socio-economic status, and maternal health care use in sub-Saharan Africa," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 71(11), pages 1958-1963, December.
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    1. Bart Victor & Meridith Blevins & Ann F Green & Elisée Ndatimana & Lázaro González-Calvo & Edward F Fischer & Alfredo E Vergara & Sten H Vermund & Omo Olupona & Troy D Moon, 2014. "Multidimensional Poverty in Rural Mozambique: A New Metric for Evaluating Public Health Interventions," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 9(9), pages 1-10, September.

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