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Determinants of Low Health Literacy Among Asian-American and Pacific Islanders in California
Monideepa B Becerra1, Benjamin J Becerra2, Gem P Daus3
1Department of Health Science and Human Ecology, California State University, San Bernardino, 5500 University Parkway, San Bernardino, CA, 92407, USA. mbecerra@csusb.edu.
Background:
Health literacy is a marker for how patients obtain, comprehend, communicate, and apply complex health information. Few studies exist on determinants of low health literacy among Asian-American and Pacific Islanders. The purpose of this exploratory study was to identify key determinants of low health literacy in this population using the 2007 California Health Interview Survey, a population-based survey.
Methods:
Low health literacy was defined as reporting either prescription bottle or written information from the doctor as being "somewhat difficult" or "very difficult" to understand, or reporting having a hard time understanding their doctor. Survey weighted univariate and multivariable regression analyses were conducted.
Results:
A total of 4045 participants were included in the study, representing 3,156,711 Asian-American and Pacific Islander adults in California. Factors associated with low health literacy were being male, low socioeconomic status, limited English language proficiency, and being foreign born.
Conclusion:
Results of this study highlight the current burden of low health literacy among Asian-American and Pacific Islander population and the associated factors. Targeted public health efforts to improve health literacy are needed among Asian-American and Pacific Islanders.
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