Affiliation:
1. Yunnan University
2. Yunnan Provincial Center for Population and Health Publicity and Education
3. Chinese Academy of Sciences
Abstract
Abstract
Background The health literacy of ethnic minorities in remote areas of China is far from satisfactory. However, the health literacy of some “direct fast-forward” ethnic minorities is unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the health literacy of the Wa ethnic group and its influencing factors.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using a stage sampling method in the Wa ethnic minority in the border region of southwest China. We used the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) to assess the level of health literacy. We defined low health literacy as less than 60% of the total score and adequate health literacy as more than 80% of the total score.Results A total of 668 individuals met the inclusion criteria and the mean age was 42.19 (SD 10.56) years. The mean HLQ total score was 29.9 (SD 10.56). The prevalence of adequate health literacy was 0.89%. There were significant differences between the low and the non-low health literacy groups in terms of gender, age, education, marital status, occupation, residing place, current smoking status, and waist circumference (all P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that women (t = 9·418, p < 0·001), older age (B=-0.0091, t=-2.644,p = 0.008), low educational level(B = 0.766, t = 6.018, p < 0.001), current smoking(B=-2.66, t=-3.038, p = 0.008), and residence far from township(B=-5.761, t=-4.1, p < 0.001) were associated with low HLQ total score.Conclusion Our findings suggest that the health literacy of the Wa ethnic group in border areas is far from favorable. It indicates that more attention should be paid to improving the health literacy level of “direct fast-forward” ethnic minorities.
Publisher
Research Square Platform LLC
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