Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026

Modifying Levels of Maternal Dietary Folic Acid or Choline to Study the Impact of Deficiencies on Offspring Health Outcomes
Published on: June 28, 2024
Parental Health Literacy as a Determinant of Parenting Practices and Early Childhood Health Outcomes: A Systematic
Melinda Csima1,2, Henrietta Bánfai-Csonka3, Viktória Keresztes1,2,4
1Institute of Education, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 7400 Kaposvár, Hungary.
Abstract:
Objectives: Parental health literacy plays a pivotal role in shaping caregiving practices and influencing their children's health. The aim of this systematic review is to analyze studies examining health literacy among parents raising children under five, in relation to caregiving practices and children's health outcomes. Methods: The research was conducted in accordance with PRISMA protocol. The sample of the study was determined by using the terms related to "health literacy" AND "parent" (OR "caregiver" OR "mother" OR "father") AND "child" AND "measure" (OR "instrument" OR "tool" OR "questionnaire" OR "survey" OR "interview") in ERIC, PUBMED, Scopus and WOS databases published between 2015 and 2024. Results: Of the 1726 results identified, 18 studies met the inclusion criteria. The reviewed studies on parental health literacy place particular emphasis on oral health literacy, nutrition/food literacy, vaccine literacy, and fever literacy. Conclusions: Based on the included studies, parents' health literacy is generally found to be significantly associated with the adequate fulfilment of children's care needs, the implementation of appropriate parenting practices, and the effective management of childhood illnesses (although findings regarding vaccination willingness are inconsistent). Overall, these associations may carry long-term implications for children's health.
Related Concept Videos
Health Literacy
Parenting Styles
Authoritarian Parenting
This style is strict and controlling, with little room for open dialogue. Authoritarian parents demand obedience and often enforce rules with minimal warmth. Children raised this way may lack social skills and initiative, usually comparing themselves to others unfavorably.
Authoritative Parenting
This...
Lifestyle Factors and Health
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
Development of the Oral Microbiota
Levels of Health Promotion and Illness Prevention
In primary prevention, actions taken before disease onset prevent the disease from...
Environmental Influences on Intelligence