Health literacy and body mass index: a population-based study in a South-Eastern European country

Author:

Toçi Ervin12,Burazeri Genc12,Kamberi Haxhi34,Toçi Dorina1,Roshi Enver1,Jerliu Naim56,Bregu Arjan1,Brand Helmut2

Affiliation:

1. Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, Tirana 1005, Albania

2. Department of International Health, School CAPHRI (Care and Public Health Research Institute), Maastricht University, Maastricht 6200, The Netherlands

3. Faculty of Medicine, University of Gjakova “Fehmi Agani”, Gjakova 50000, Republic of Kosovo

4. Regional Hospital “Isa Grezda”, Gjakove 50000, Republic of Kosovo

5. Faculty of Medicine, University of Prishtina, Prishtina 10000, Republic of Kosovo

6. National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo, Prishtina 10000, Republic of Kosovo

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background The relationship of health literacy (HL) with objective measures including anthropometric measurements remains an under-researched topic to date. Objective To assess the association between body mass index (BMI) and HL among Albanian adults. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Tirana, Albania, in 2012–2014 including a population-based sample of 1154 individuals aged ≥18 years. HL was assessed by the use of HLS-EU-Q instrument. Anthropometrics included measurement of weight and height based on which BMI was calculated. Information on socio-demographic characteristics was also collected. Logistic regression was employed to assess the independent association of BMI and HL controlling all socio-demographic factors. Results One-fifth of the participants reported an inadequate HL level, whereas almost one-third (31%) reported an excellent HL level. About 41% of study participants were overweight and further 22% were obese. In multivariate analysis, there was evidence of a strong and significant association between BMI and HL: the odds of overweight/obesity were two times higher (OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.3–3.1) among inadequate HL individuals compared with excellent HL participants. Conclusion Our findings, pertinent to a transitional country in the South East Europe, point to a strong, consistent and highly significant association between BMI and HL, irrespective of a wide array of socio-demographic characteristics.

Publisher

Oxford University Press (OUP)

Subject

Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health,General Medicine

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