Elke de Buhr|Antje Tannen
Parental health literacy and health behaviors in children: a 2017 cross-sectional survey in Germany
Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin|Tulane University|Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
abstract background health literacy hl closely associated leading health indicators parents represent critical subgroup among adult population since responsible health also health children previous research suggests parents low hl less likely meet preventive health care needs children relationship parental hl child health yet well understood methods crosssectional survey implemented 2017 28 public schools germany parent questionnaire completed 4217 caregivers included short form hlseuq16 child questionnaire examined health knowledge behaviors outcomes children 11 years caregiver reported behalf children n 1518 cases children completed questionnaires n 2776 bivariate multivariate analyses carried results among interviewed parents 458 showed problematic inadequate hl parents higher hl reported better subjective health quality life judged children healthier major determinant high parental hl socioeconomic status r088 high parental hl associated positive health behaviors children including higher consumption fruits vegetables fewer sweetened beverages regular tooth brushing physical activity relationships parental hl smoking alcohol consumption sexual activity among children childrens weight significant conclusions results confirm relationship low parental hl ses problematic health behaviors children strengthening hl vulnerable parents may contribute improved health outcomes particularly areas childrens nutrition exercise dental health parents integrated schoolbased activities health promotion prevention key messages strong statistical relationship parental health literacy socioeconomic status parental health literacy associated child health behaviors eg nutrition exercise