Sarah Hosking|Sharon Brennan-Olsen|Alison Beauchamp|Rachelle Buchbinder|Lana J. Williams|Julie A. Pasco
Health literacy in a population-based sample of Australian women: a cross-sectional profile of the Geelong Osteoporosis Study
Barwon Health|Deakin University|Barwon Health|Deakin University|Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science|Western Health|University of Melbourne|Monash University|Barwon Health|Deakin University|Western Health|University of Melbourne
term health literacy refers abilities resources required find understand use health information managing health definition reflected recent development multidimensional health literacy tools measure multiple facets health literacy aim study determine health literacy profile randomly selected populationbased sample australian women using multidimensional tool health literacy questionnaire hlq second aim investigate associations independent hlq scales sociodemographic characteristics lifestyle anthropometric risk factors chronic diseasewe surveyed women involved geelong osteoporosis study gos longitudinal populationbased study included demographic data lifestyle information anthropometric measures well hlq hlq 44 items scored either 4 5point scales within nine conceptually distinct scales means scale calculated hlq scales regressed educational level socioeconomic status risk factors chronic disease investigated using analysis variance anova calculation effect sizeshigher mean scores seen scales feeling understood supported healthcare professionals mean 320 sd 052 understanding health information well enough know mean 428 sd 054 lower mean scores seen appraisal health information mean 281 sd 048 navigating healthcare system mean 409 sd 057 associations also seen lower hlq scores poor health behaviours including smoking sedentary addition greater body mass index waist circumference positive gradients seen several hlq scales education level well ses hlq scales associations nonlinearthe profile populationbased cohort women demonstrated associations low health literacy low ses lower levels education increasing age anthropometric lifestyle risk factors chronic disease findings suggest implications health literacy health policy makers focusing improving lifestyle prevention chronic disease promoting health equity population level