Health Literacy Among Oregon Mexican-origin Latinos: Work in Progress
Presenter Biography
Alejandra Nuñez-Barragán, Portland State University undergraduate student and a U-Rise Scholar working under Dr. Darney, PI.
Institution
PSU
Program/Major
Computer Science
Degree
BS
Presentation Type
Presentation
Start Date
4-4-2024 10:47 AM
Keywords
Latino/a, health literacy, acculturation
Abstract
Background
Health literacy is the ability to comprehend health-related information. Health literacy is pivotal to managing one’s health and ability to navigate the healthcare system, and to making well-informed medical decisions. This study aims to assess health literacy among community-dwelling Mexican-origin Latinos in Oregon.
Methods
We will conduct a cross-sectional study in collaboration with the General Consulate of Mexico. Our survey includes sociodemographic information, a validated 4-item language-based acculturation scale, and a validated measure of health literacy called the Short Assessment of Health Literacy Scale- Spanish (SAHL-S). The SAHL-S is an 18-item instrument that asks respondents to select a word that best matches another health-related word they are given (example: alcoholism, and the respondent would select between addiction or recreation). We will recruit 500 individuals 18 and older who are at the Consulate for passports or other paperwork. We will describe health literacy scores overall and by key demographic subgroups (e.g., gender, age, sector of employment) and test the association of health literacy score and acculturation level.
Results
We are currently finalizing the survey instrument and preparing the IRB submission. We will begin recruitment in May 2024.
Implications
Our results can inform efforts to improve health literacy among Mexican-origin Latinos and increase comprehension of medical care visits.
Target Audience
Latinx community, Oregon Health Authority, Mexican Consulate, community-based organizations, and primary care providers.
Health Literacy Among Oregon Mexican-origin Latinos: Work in Progress
Background
Health literacy is the ability to comprehend health-related information. Health literacy is pivotal to managing one’s health and ability to navigate the healthcare system, and to making well-informed medical decisions. This study aims to assess health literacy among community-dwelling Mexican-origin Latinos in Oregon.
Methods
We will conduct a cross-sectional study in collaboration with the General Consulate of Mexico. Our survey includes sociodemographic information, a validated 4-item language-based acculturation scale, and a validated measure of health literacy called the Short Assessment of Health Literacy Scale- Spanish (SAHL-S). The SAHL-S is an 18-item instrument that asks respondents to select a word that best matches another health-related word they are given (example: alcoholism, and the respondent would select between addiction or recreation). We will recruit 500 individuals 18 and older who are at the Consulate for passports or other paperwork. We will describe health literacy scores overall and by key demographic subgroups (e.g., gender, age, sector of employment) and test the association of health literacy score and acculturation level.
Results
We are currently finalizing the survey instrument and preparing the IRB submission. We will begin recruitment in May 2024.
Implications
Our results can inform efforts to improve health literacy among Mexican-origin Latinos and increase comprehension of medical care visits.
Target Audience
Latinx community, Oregon Health Authority, Mexican Consulate, community-based organizations, and primary care providers.