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Health literacy research in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: an integrative review

Author

Listed:
  • Ludmilla F. Wikkeling-Scott

    (Zayed University)

  • Rahma Jamea Yousef Ajja

    (Zayed University)

  • Robert Vann Rikard

    (Michigan State University)

Abstract

Objectives This integrative review examines health literacy research in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) and describes: (1) assessments and screening tools used to measure levels of health literacy, and (2) the focus, methods, and findings of health literacy research in the region. Methods A total of 246 records were identified through a systematic search of online databases from 1950 to 2017, to include: ProQuest Middle East and Africa, MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Academic OneFile, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The final sample included 49 full-text articles. Results This research described 7 studies which used existing or new health literacy measures. Levels of health literacy in the EMR were similar to those for Europe and the United States. Low health literacy in EMR countries was more prevalent among females than males. The relationships between health literacy and knowledge, behavior and health outcomes varied across countries. Conclusions To our knowledge, this study is the first in the EMR. Appropriately designed studies should better define health literacy needs due to variations in socioeconomic status within subregions. Future health literacy measures must consider stronger psychometric properties to guide development and validation.

Suggested Citation

  • Ludmilla F. Wikkeling-Scott & Rahma Jamea Yousef Ajja & Robert Vann Rikard, 2019. "Health literacy research in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: an integrative review," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 64(4), pages 523-533, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ijphth:v:64:y:2019:i:4:d:10.1007_s00038-018-01200-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s00038-018-01200-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nutbeam, Don, 2008. "The evolving concept of health literacy," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 67(12), pages 2072-2078, December.
    2. Aazam Doustmohammadian & Nasrin Omidvar & Nastaran Keshavarz-Mohammadi & Morteza Abdollahi & Maryam Amini & Hassan Eini-Zinab, 2017. "Developing and validating a scale to measure Food and Nutrition Literacy (FNLIT) in elementary school children in Iran," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(6), pages 1-18, June.
    3. Ziyad Taleb & Raed Bahelah & Fouad Fouad & Adam Coutts & Meredith Wilcox & Wasim Maziak, 2015. "Syria: health in a country undergoing tragic transition," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 60(1), pages 63-72, January.
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