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Children
Special Issues
Health Literacy and Health Equity in Children
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Health Literacy and Health Equity in Children

A special issue of Children (ISSN 2227-9067). This special issue belongs to the section "Global and Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 November 2022) | Viewed by 16966

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Shuaijun Guo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia
Interests: systematic reviews; meta-analysis; health education and promotion; health literacy; health education; health; public health; evidence based medicine
Prof. Dr. Elisha Riggs

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Intergernational Health, Murdoch Chidren’s Research Institute, Melbourne 3052, Australia
2. Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3052, Australia
Interests: health inequality; health disparities; health promotion; health; public health; dental caries; health systems; qualitative research; thematic analysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Lucio Naccarella

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centre for Health Policy, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia
Interests: systems change; health system literacy; care coordination; multidisciplinary primary health care teamwork; primary care organisations; health care facility workspace design and health workforce reforms

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed substantial inequities in health care and the underestimation and importance of health literacy, which is a critical driver of achieving an equitable world. Addressing inequities in child health is a significant public health challenge around the world. Over the last decade, there has been much progress in this field to reduce these unjust and preventable inequalities within and between different population groups.

This Special Issue (SI) aims to publish high-quality and interdisciplinary research that explores a better understanding of the relationship between health literacy and health equity within a range of settings. We welcome manuscripts specifically focusing on inequities in health literacy (both individual health literacy and health literacy systems and environments, such as schools) and health outcomes among different groups of children and adolescents. This includes, but is not limited to, socioeconomic status, gender, age, race and ethnicity, language, religion and disability. By highlighting these issues, this SI will shine a light on innovations and opportunities that advance research, practice and policy. Reporting innovative research methods such as using a life course approach and focusing on knowledge translation are encouraged. Literature reviews, original empirical research and commentaries will be considered for publication.

Dr. Shuaijun Guo
Prof. Dr. Elisha Riggs
Prof. Dr. Lucio Naccarella
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Children is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • health literacy
  • health equity
  • children
  • adolescents
  • underserved populations
  • health and development
  • life course
  • knowledge translation
  • health policy
  • community-engaged research

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Editorial

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2 pages, 182 KiB  
Editorial
Promoting Child Health Equity through Health Literacy
by Shuaijun Guo, Lucio Naccarella and Elisha Riggs
Children 2023, 10(6), 975; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10060975 - 30 May 2023
Viewed by 1294
Abstract
Every child has the right to a fulfilling and thriving life [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Literacy and Health Equity in Children)

Research

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18 pages, 2136 KiB  
Article
Development of a German Physical Literacy Assessment for Children in the Context of Health Promotion—An Explorative Approach
by Leonie Krenz, Martin Grauduszus, Marlen Klaudius, Isabel Stolz, Stefanie Wessely and Christine Joisten
Children 2022, 9(12), 1908; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9121908 - 06 Dec 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1894
Abstract
Addressing physical literacy (PL) has become increasingly relevant to counteract sedentary behaviour in children and youth. We developed an assessment tool to measure and evaluate the promotion of individual PL and its four subdomains: motivation and confidence (the affective dimension), physical competence (physical [...] Read more.
Addressing physical literacy (PL) has become increasingly relevant to counteract sedentary behaviour in children and youth. We developed an assessment tool to measure and evaluate the promotion of individual PL and its four subdomains: motivation and confidence (the affective dimension), physical competence (physical dimension), knowledge and understanding (cognitive dimension), and participation in physical activity. Within this cross-sectional study, we tested 567 children aged 6–12 years from four primary schools that differed in socioeconomic status (SES). A subsequent exploratory factor analysis conducted to examine the conformity revealed a five-factor structure. The five factors explained 39.8% of the total cumulative variance. Children with a low SES yielded lower scores in all subdomains except participation in physical activity. This effect was most pronounced in motor skills (p < 0.001, r = 0.28). Among the children with a low SES, 16.9% were overweight and 17.4% were obese, compared to 11.5% and 5.4%, respectively, for those with a high SES (p < 0.001). In conclusion, although the assessment tool was largely in line with the postulated structure, further adjustments are necessary in terms of participation and motivation. Nevertheless, this holistic view of PL, taking SES into account, should enable the focused promotion of health and health literacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Literacy and Health Equity in Children)
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12 pages, 787 KiB  
Article
Are Health Literacy and Physical Literacy Independent Concepts? A Gender-Stratified Analysis in Medical School Students from Croatia
by Marijana Geets Kesic, Mia Peric, Barbara Gilic, Marko Manojlovic, Patrik Drid, Toni Modric, Zeljka Znidaric, Natasa Zenic and Aleksander Pajtler
Children 2022, 9(8), 1231; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9081231 - 15 Aug 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2042
Abstract
Health literacy (HL) and physical literacy (PL) are concepts responsible for achieving and maintaining positive health behaviors. This study aimed to investigate gender-specific associations: (i) between PL and HL; and (ii) among HL, PL, and body composition. We observed 253 students attending health-area [...] Read more.
Health literacy (HL) and physical literacy (PL) are concepts responsible for achieving and maintaining positive health behaviors. This study aimed to investigate gender-specific associations: (i) between PL and HL; and (ii) among HL, PL, and body composition. We observed 253 students attending health-area high schools from southern Croatia (181 girls; 16.9 ± 1.4 years). HL was assessed by the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire, PL by the PLAYself questionnaire, and body composition by bioimpedance analysis. The t-test was used to assess the differences between genders, and Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated to establish the associations between variables. The results showed a similar level of HL (t-test = 0.2; p = 0.83) and PL (t-test = 0.01; p = 0.99) in boys and girls. Significant but small correlations were identified between HL and PL only in the girls (<10% of common variance). The body composition indices were significantly correlated with PL only in the boys (15–20% of common variance). Our research highlights the necessity of the independent evaluation of HL and PL in adolescence. Further studies evaluating other indices of health status in relation to PL and HL are warranted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Literacy and Health Equity in Children)
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22 pages, 2304 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Health Literacy Assessment Tools among Beijing School-Aged Children
by Shuaijun Guo, Xiaoming Yu, Elise Davis, Rebecca Armstrong and Lucio Naccarella
Children 2022, 9(8), 1128; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9081128 - 28 Jul 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1545
Abstract
Health literacy is a broad and multidimensional construct, making its measurement and conclusions inconsistent. This study aims to compare the patterning of health literacy using different assessment tools and examine their impact on children’s developmental outcomes. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 650 [...] Read more.
Health literacy is a broad and multidimensional construct, making its measurement and conclusions inconsistent. This study aims to compare the patterning of health literacy using different assessment tools and examine their impact on children’s developmental outcomes. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 650 students in Years 7–9 from four secondary schools in Beijing. Health literacy was measured by the eight-item health literacy assessment tool (HLAT, score range 0–37), the six-item Newest Vital Sign (NVS, score range 0–6), and the 16-item Health Literacy Survey (HLS, score range 0–16). Based on Manganello’s health literacy framework, information on upstream factors (e.g., gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status) and developmental outcomes (e.g., health-promoting behaviours, health service use, global health status) was collected. Overall, the average scores for health literacy were 26.34 ± 5.89, 3.64 ± 1.64, and 13.72 ± 2.94, respectively, for HLAT, NVS, and HLS. The distribution of health literacy varied by socio-demographics and individual characteristics except for gender, no matter which health literacy assessment tool was used. The magnitude of associations between health literacy, its upstream factors and developmental outcomes was greater when using three-domain instruments (HLAT and HLS) than using single-domain instruments (NVS). The approach to health literacy measurement will influence the conclusion. Using multidimensional assessment tools may better capture a child’s health literacy and contribute to the maximum efficiency and effectiveness of school-based health literacy interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Literacy and Health Equity in Children)
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10 pages, 235 KiB  
Article
Children’s Health Literacy in Relation to Their BMI z-Score, Food Intake, and Physical Activity: A Cross-Sectional Study among 8–11-Year-Old Children in The Netherlands
by Jany Rademakers, Marla T. H. Hahnraths, Onno C. P. van Schayck and Monique Heijmans
Children 2022, 9(6), 925; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9060925 - 20 Jun 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2484
Abstract
Overweight and obesity in children are an increasing public health problem. Health literacy (HL) is a determinant of obesity and body mass index (BMI) rates in adults, but few studies have addressed the impact of children’s own HL on their weight and lifestyle. [...] Read more.
Overweight and obesity in children are an increasing public health problem. Health literacy (HL) is a determinant of obesity and body mass index (BMI) rates in adults, but few studies have addressed the impact of children’s own HL on their weight and lifestyle. In this study, we aim to assess the impact of Dutch children’s HL on (1) their BMI z-score, (2) dietary behaviour, and (3) the amount of physical activity (PA) they engage in. A sample of 139 children (age 8–11 years) filled out a digital questionnaire, including an HL measurement instrument and questions regarding their food intake and PA. Furthermore, the height and weight of the children were measured, and background information was collected using a parental questionnaire. Multiple regression revealed a significant positive relation between children’s HL and their PA. No significant association between children’s HL and their BMI z-score or dietary behaviour was found. HL of children in primary school thus has an impact on some aspects of children’s lifestyle, although more research in a larger, more diverse sample is needed to further investigate this. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Literacy and Health Equity in Children)

Other

Jump to: Editorial, Research

15 pages, 2041 KiB  
Commentary
Involving Children in Health Literacy Research
by Catherine L. Jenkins, Jane Wills and Susie Sykes
Children 2023, 10(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10010023 - 23 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1828
Abstract
Despite the volume and breadth of health literacy research related to children, children’s involvement in that research is rare. Research with children is challenging, but the principles of involvement and engagement underpin all health promotion work, including health literacy. This commentary reflects on [...] Read more.
Despite the volume and breadth of health literacy research related to children, children’s involvement in that research is rare. Research with children is challenging, but the principles of involvement and engagement underpin all health promotion work, including health literacy. This commentary reflects on the process of setting up a Children’s Advisory Group to consult on an institutional ethnography study of health literacy work from children’s standpoint. The Children’s Advisory Group contributed feedback on the study ethics and design and piloted methods for rapport-building and data collection, including livestreamed draw-and-describe and modified Interview to the Double. Consulting with the Children’s Advisory Group highlighted the importance of listening to children and recognizing and valuing children’s imaginative contributions to methods for involving children in health literacy research. Insights from this commentary can be used to foreground equity-focused approaches to future research and practice with children in the field of health literacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Literacy and Health Equity in Children)
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12 pages, 457 KiB  
Systematic Review
Health Literacy in Early Childhood: A Systematic Review of Empirical Studies
by Henrietta Bánfai-Csonka, József Betlehem, Krisztina Deutsch, Martina Derzsi-Horváth, Bálint Bánfai, Judit Fináncz, Judit Podráczky and Melinda Csima
Children 2022, 9(8), 1131; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9081131 - 28 Jul 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3339
Abstract
Early childhood plays a key role in the formation of healthy habits and the establishment of health literacy. Nonetheless, there are only a few research studies focusing on the health literacy level of children under the age of eight. The aim of our [...] Read more.
Early childhood plays a key role in the formation of healthy habits and the establishment of health literacy. Nonetheless, there are only a few research studies focusing on the health literacy level of children under the age of eight. The aim of our systematic review is to explore empirical research on health literacy related to early childhood. The research was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA protocol. This systematic review examines 12 studies published between 2013–2022. Results show that research focuses on different domains of health literacy for children. In relation to children’s food literacy, children understand the relationship between health and nutrition and they realize the health impact of obesity. The habits connected to oral health are strongly associated with parents’ knowledge of and behaviours around oral health. Results related to health care situations show that children are able to be actively involved in decision-making processes in connection with their health. Exploring young children’s health literacy is essential in order to be able to plan health promotion interventions, embedded into early childhood education. Picture-based messages or story-based messages supported by illustrations can help measure health literacy in early childhood and can support the formation of health literacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Literacy and Health Equity in Children)
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