Leena Paakkari|Minna Torppa|Olli-Pekka Paakkari|Raili Välimaa|Kristiina Ojala|Jorma Tynjälä
Does health literacy explain the link between structural stratifiers and adolescent health?
University of Jyväskylä|University of Jyväskylä|University of Jyväskylä|University of Jyväskylä|University of Jyväskylä|University of Jyväskylä
concept health literacy hl may help us better understand mechanisms leading health disparities focus factors influenced however much yet known hl related health disparities whether association exists among adolescents aim study examine associations structural stratifiers hl health indicators among adolescentsthe nationally representative finnish health behaviour schoolaged children survey data n3833 collected 13 15yearold pupils spring 2014 pearson correlation coefficients calculated separate path models estimated perceived health health behaviour measureshl found independent factor explaining disparities health higher hl related positive health outcomes hl also acted mediator health behaviours structural stratifiers except gender school achievement educational aspirations among factors explaining hl level turn explained health indicatorsthe concept hl use understanding health disparities particular hl provides mechanism via school achievement educational plans affect health outcomes low hl places adolescents poor school achievement intend continue academic path unequal position respect health