Multivariable analysis of perceived and functional HL after adjusting for all sociodemographic factors and health behaviors as estimated in multivariable logistic regression models.

Multivariable analysis of perceived and functional HL after adjusting for all sociodemographic factors and health behaviors as estimated in multivariable logistic regression models.</p

Cross-tab and mean scores of outcomes (perceived and functional HL).

Cross-tab and mean scores of outcomes (perceived and functional HL).</p

HLS-EU-Q47 and NVS mean scores and categories according to parental socio-demographic characteristics.

HLS-EU-Q47 and NVS mean scores and categories according to parental socio-demographic characteristics.</p

Descriptive analyses of outcome variables (perceived and functional HL) of the participants (n = 416).

Descriptive analyses of outcome variables (perceived and functional HL) of the participants (n = 416).</p

Sociodemographic tool.

BackgroundParents often must take decisions regarding their children’s health, which requires certain skills and competences. Parental health literacy (HL) is important in establishing positive health-promoting behaviours and better health outcomes to their children. Limited parental HL has been associated with various negative children’s health outcomes. The aim of the study was to explore perceived and functional HL among parents in Cyprus.MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenience sample of 416 parents of children, aged 6 months to 15 years old, presenting in pediatric outpatient departments across three Cypriot cities. Participants completed the HLS-EU-Q47, a self-reported measure of HL, and the NVS (Newest Vital Sign), a performance-based measure of HL. Associations with socio-demographic characteristics and health behaviors were explored.ResultsBased on suggested ranges, among 416 parents, mostly mothers (83.2%), almost half of parents (42.6%) were classified as having inadequate or problematic perceived HL. Consistently, 62.8% showed high likelihood or significant possibility of limited functional HL, based on the NVS with a mean score of 2.73 out of 6 (SD = 2.02). Nevertheless, no correlation was observed between the two measures of HL. Limited parental perceived HL was statistically significantly associated with lower educational attainment, lower number of children in the family, increased self-assessed health status, and limited exercise habits. Limited parental functional HL was statistically significantly associated with female gender, younger age, lower educational attainment, receiving financial aid, lower family income, and lower alcohol consumption.ConclusionEven though there was lack of agreement in the classification according to the HLS-EU-Q47 and the NVS, moderate-to-low levels of perceived HL appear consistent with a performance-based measure of HL. As a high number of parents may face challenges in assessing and applying health information to improve outcomes for their children, with evidence of social gradient, healthcare services should be oriented towards identifying problematic HL while Public Health interventions are needed to enhance parental HL.</div

Descriptive analyses of sociodemographic data and health behaviours of the participants (n = 416).

Descriptive analyses of sociodemographic data and health behaviours of the participants (n = 416).</p

HLS-EU-Q47 and NVS mean scores and categories according to parental health and health-related behaviors.

HLS-EU-Q47 and NVS mean scores and categories according to parental health and health-related behaviors.</p

HLS-EU-Q47 tool.

BackgroundParents often must take decisions regarding their children’s health, which requires certain skills and competences. Parental health literacy (HL) is important in establishing positive health-promoting behaviours and better health outcomes to their children. Limited parental HL has been associated with various negative children’s health outcomes. The aim of the study was to explore perceived and functional HL among parents in Cyprus.MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenience sample of 416 parents of children, aged 6 months to 15 years old, presenting in pediatric outpatient departments across three Cypriot cities. Participants completed the HLS-EU-Q47, a self-reported measure of HL, and the NVS (Newest Vital Sign), a performance-based measure of HL. Associations with socio-demographic characteristics and health behaviors were explored.ResultsBased on suggested ranges, among 416 parents, mostly mothers (83.2%), almost half of parents (42.6%) were classified as having inadequate or problematic perceived HL. Consistently, 62.8% showed high likelihood or significant possibility of limited functional HL, based on the NVS with a mean score of 2.73 out of 6 (SD = 2.02). Nevertheless, no correlation was observed between the two measures of HL. Limited parental perceived HL was statistically significantly associated with lower educational attainment, lower number of children in the family, increased self-assessed health status, and limited exercise habits. Limited parental functional HL was statistically significantly associated with female gender, younger age, lower educational attainment, receiving financial aid, lower family income, and lower alcohol consumption.ConclusionEven though there was lack of agreement in the classification according to the HLS-EU-Q47 and the NVS, moderate-to-low levels of perceived HL appear consistent with a performance-based measure of HL. As a high number of parents may face challenges in assessing and applying health information to improve outcomes for their children, with evidence of social gradient, healthcare services should be oriented towards identifying problematic HL while Public Health interventions are needed to enhance parental HL.</div

NVS tool.

BackgroundParents often must take decisions regarding their children’s health, which requires certain skills and competences. Parental health literacy (HL) is important in establishing positive health-promoting behaviours and better health outcomes to their children. Limited parental HL has been associated with various negative children’s health outcomes. The aim of the study was to explore perceived and functional HL among parents in Cyprus.MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenience sample of 416 parents of children, aged 6 months to 15 years old, presenting in pediatric outpatient departments across three Cypriot cities. Participants completed the HLS-EU-Q47, a self-reported measure of HL, and the NVS (Newest Vital Sign), a performance-based measure of HL. Associations with socio-demographic characteristics and health behaviors were explored.ResultsBased on suggested ranges, among 416 parents, mostly mothers (83.2%), almost half of parents (42.6%) were classified as having inadequate or problematic perceived HL. Consistently, 62.8% showed high likelihood or significant possibility of limited functional HL, based on the NVS with a mean score of 2.73 out of 6 (SD = 2.02). Nevertheless, no correlation was observed between the two measures of HL. Limited parental perceived HL was statistically significantly associated with lower educational attainment, lower number of children in the family, increased self-assessed health status, and limited exercise habits. Limited parental functional HL was statistically significantly associated with female gender, younger age, lower educational attainment, receiving financial aid, lower family income, and lower alcohol consumption.ConclusionEven though there was lack of agreement in the classification according to the HLS-EU-Q47 and the NVS, moderate-to-low levels of perceived HL appear consistent with a performance-based measure of HL. As a high number of parents may face challenges in assessing and applying health information to improve outcomes for their children, with evidence of social gradient, healthcare services should be oriented towards identifying problematic HL while Public Health interventions are needed to enhance parental HL.</div

STROBE checklist.

BackgroundParents often must take decisions regarding their children’s health, which requires certain skills and competences. Parental health literacy (HL) is important in establishing positive health-promoting behaviours and better health outcomes to their children. Limited parental HL has been associated with various negative children’s health outcomes. The aim of the study was to explore perceived and functional HL among parents in Cyprus.MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenience sample of 416 parents of children, aged 6 months to 15 years old, presenting in pediatric outpatient departments across three Cypriot cities. Participants completed the HLS-EU-Q47, a self-reported measure of HL, and the NVS (Newest Vital Sign), a performance-based measure of HL. Associations with socio-demographic characteristics and health behaviors were explored.ResultsBased on suggested ranges, among 416 parents, mostly mothers (83.2%), almost half of parents (42.6%) were classified as having inadequate or problematic perceived HL. Consistently, 62.8% showed high likelihood or significant possibility of limited functional HL, based on the NVS with a mean score of 2.73 out of 6 (SD = 2.02). Nevertheless, no correlation was observed between the two measures of HL. Limited parental perceived HL was statistically significantly associated with lower educational attainment, lower number of children in the family, increased self-assessed health status, and limited exercise habits. Limited parental functional HL was statistically significantly associated with female gender, younger age, lower educational attainment, receiving financial aid, lower family income, and lower alcohol consumption.ConclusionEven though there was lack of agreement in the classification according to the HLS-EU-Q47 and the NVS, moderate-to-low levels of perceived HL appear consistent with a performance-based measure of HL. As a high number of parents may face challenges in assessing and applying health information to improve outcomes for their children, with evidence of social gradient, healthcare services should be oriented towards identifying problematic HL while Public Health interventions are needed to enhance parental HL.</div