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Maternal literacy and health behavior: a Nepalese case study
Robert A LeVine1, Sarah E LeVine, Meredith L Rowe
1Graduate School of Education, Harvard University, Roy E Larsen Hall, Appian Way, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA. bob_levine@gse.harvard.edu
Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|December 16, 2003
Summary
Literacy skills in Nepalese mothers influence health behaviors, even in adulthood. This study highlights the importance of literacy in maternal health outcomes during demographic shifts.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Demography
Background:
- Schooling's impact on maternal health behavior is studied in populations undergoing demographic transition.
- Recent research suggests a literacy pathway influencing demographic change.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if literacy mediates the relationship between schooling and maternal health behavior.
- To assess the retention and influence of adult literacy skills on health behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Literacy skills of 167 mothers in Nepal were assessed using tests for reading comprehension, academic language, health media, and narrative skills.
- Data collection included maternal interviews and ethnographic fieldwork on family life, healthcare, and female schooling.
- Regression analysis was used to analyze the data.
Main Results:
- Literacy skills are retained in adulthood and significantly influence maternal health behavior.
- Ethnographic evidence indicates that selective bias in school attainment does not explain these findings.
Conclusions:
- Literacy plays a crucial role in mediating the relationship between schooling and maternal health behavior.
- Further direct assessment studies are recommended to confirm these findings.