Understanding the Concept of Health Literacy by Health Personnel: A Qualitative Content Analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Health literacy is known as one of the main health determinants. Health personnel are pioneer in providing healthcare services in the health system of the country. To play their main role in the society, health personnel should have appropriate understanding and attitude towards the concept of health literacy to respond to the needs of society, especially the needs of patients with inadequate health literacy. Method: This qualitative research was based on the content analysis and conducted among 30 healthcare centers affiliated to Khaf Healthcare Network on 22 health personnel for three months in 2014. Data collection and analysis were performed simultaneously using qualitative content analysis. Results: Data analysis resulted in 154 primary codes that were classified into 7 groups. The main problems of health personnel were the lack of enough skills to identify patients with inadequate health literacy and lack of knowledge about how to interact with patients effectively. Conclusion: The results of this study indicating the Perception, attitudes, and performance of health personnel towards effective health literacy determinants will help planners find the most appropriate methods and strategies to promote health literacy among healthcare centers personnel.

Keywords

• Health literacy
• Health personnel
• Qualitative research