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Influence of the Training Process on the Health Literacy of Angolan Health Promoters

Author

Listed:
  • Manuela Ferreira

    (Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing (UICISA: E), Nursing School of Coimbra (ESEnfC), Health School of the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal)

  • Eduardo Santos

    (Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing (UICISA: E), Nursing School of Coimbra (ESEnfC), Health School of the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal)

  • Joana Andrade

    (Unidade Local de Saúde de Viseu Dão-Lafões, E.P.E, 3504-509 Viseu, Portugal)

  • Inês Figueiredo

    (Unidade Local de Saúde de Viseu Dão-Lafões, E.P.E, 3504-509 Viseu, Portugal)

  • Vitor Martins

    (Unidade Local de Saúde de Viseu Dão-Lafões, E.P.E, 3504-509 Viseu, Portugal)

  • Sofia Campos

    (Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing (UICISA: E), Nursing School of Coimbra (ESEnfC), Health School of the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal)

Abstract

Background: As part of the research project ‘Seigungo–Gungo’s Health, Education, and Maternal and Child Quality of Life: An Action-Research Project’, a study was conducted in the Gungo community in Angola, a region facing significant challenges in terms of access to healthcare and health literacy. The primary aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention training model designed to improve the health literacy of the participants. Methods : The sample consisted of 30 trainees, 60% of whom were male, with an average age of 45.6 years. Most participants were single (53.3%) and had completed 6 years of formal education (26.7%). Health literacy levels were assessed using the HLS-EU-PT-Q16, a short 16-item questionnaire designed to assess three key domains: healthcare, disease prevention, and health promotion. These domains are related to the focus of the training programme. Data collection took place throughout the year 2024. Results : According to the data obtained, prior to attending the training program, 60% of the participants demonstrated an inadequate level of health literacy. Following the intervention, this percentage dropped significantly to 20%. In contrast, the proportion of participants with sufficient to excellent health literacy rose from 16.7% to approximately 40%. The results indicate that the training program had a positive and statistically significant impact on improving health literacy in the Gungo community. Conclusions : These findings highlight the importance of targeted training and sustained intervention efforts to address the specific health education needs currently affecting this community.

Suggested Citation

  • Manuela Ferreira & Eduardo Santos & Joana Andrade & Inês Figueiredo & Vitor Martins & Sofia Campos, 2025. "Influence of the Training Process on the Health Literacy of Angolan Health Promoters," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(9), pages 1-10, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:9:p:1358-:d:1737358
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Petra Dermota & Jen Wang & Michelle Dey & Gerhard Gmel & Joseph Studer & Meichun Mohler-Kuo, 2013. "Health literacy and substance use in young Swiss men," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 58(6), pages 939-948, December.
    2. Ana Rita Pedro & Beatriz Raposo & Luís Luís & Odete Amaral & Ana Escoval & Sara Simões Dias, 2023. "Portuguese Version of the HLS-EU-Q6 and HLS-EU-Q16 Questionnaire: Psychometric Properties," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-9, February.
    3. repec:plo:pmed00:0040296 is not listed on IDEAS
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