BMC Public Health
Volume 16, Issue 1, 2016, Pages 1-9

Health literacy: the missing link in improving the health of Somali immigrant women in Oslo (Article) (Open Access)

Gele A.A.* , Pettersen K.S. , Torheim L.E. , Kumar B.
  • a Institute of Nursing and Health promotion, Oslo and Akershus University College, P.O. Box 4 St. Olavs plass, Oslo, 0130, Norway, Norwegian Center For Minority Health Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
  • b Institute of Nursing and Health promotion, Oslo and Akershus University College, P.O. Box 4 St. Olavs plass, Oslo, 0130, Norway
  • c Institute of Nursing and Health promotion, Oslo and Akershus University College, P.O. Box 4 St. Olavs plass, Oslo, 0130, Norway
  • d Norwegian Center For Minority Health Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway

Abstract

Background: Existing studies report a positive association between inadequate health literacy and immigrant's adverse health outcomes. Despite substantial research on this topic among immigrants, little is known about the level of health literacy among Somali women in Europe, and particularly in Norway. Methods: A cross sectional study using respondent driven sampling was conducted in Oslo, Norway. A sample of 302 Somali women, 25 years and older, was interviewed using the short version of the European Health Literacy Questionnaire. Data was analysed using logistic regression. Results: Findings revealed that 71 % of Somali women in Oslo lack the ability to obtain, understand and act upon health information and services, and to make appropriate health decisions. Being unemployed (OR 3.66, CI 1.08-12.3) and socially less integrated (OR 8.17, CI 1.21-54.8) were independent predictors of an inadequate health literacy among Somali women. Conclusions: Enhanced health literacy will most likely increase the chance to better health outcomes for immigrants, thereby moving towards health equity in the Norwegian society. Therefore, policies and programs are required to focus and improve health literacy of immigrant communities. © 2016 The Author(s).

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

unemployment immigrant Norway sampling health equity logistic regression analysis human statistics and numerical data controlled study health status Logistic Models Somali (citizen) ethnology Cross-Sectional Studies Surveys and Questionnaires Young Adult cross-sectional study migrant human tissue psychology Humans male Emigrants and Immigrants female questionnaire medical information Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice women's health major clinical study adult Somalia statistical model health literacy attitude to health
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84994000463&doi=10.1186%2fs12889-016-3790-6&partnerID=40&md5=a6368cea8a8ec7f8c04ba87eddd3cb9b
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3790-6
ISSN: 14712458
Cited by: 16
Original Language: English