Predictors of Intention to use Health Literacy Strategies in Patient Education among Health Care Professionals at Public Hospitals of Bahir Dar City: Application of Theory of Planned Behavior

Abstract

Purpose

Health literacy strategies were using plain language, using visual aids, using the teach-back method, limiting the number of items provided, and providing culture-sensitive care. This study aimed to assess predictors of intention to use health literacy strategies in patient education among healthcare professionals.

Design

An institutional-based cross-sectional study, theory of planned behavior.

Setting

Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia, from March 10 to April 10, 2023.

Subjects

422 healthcare professionals.

Measures

Six items with a response range from 1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree each item was summed on a five-point Likert scale and its score range (6-30).

Analysis

Linear regression, SPSS version 25.

Results

A total of 389 healthcare professionals participated with a response rate of 92.18%. The overall mean intention towards health literacy strategies score was 24.02 with (SD ± 3.84). Subjective norm [(β, .231; 95% CI: .129, .333)], attitude [β, .162; 95% CI: .072, .252], perceived behavioral control [(β, .121; 95% CI: .022, .221)], having got training [(β, .125; 95% CI: .348, .530)] and knowing health literacy [(β, .251; 95% CI: .131, .371)] were factors.

Conclusion

The mean score of intention to use health literacy strategies was very low. Attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, training, and knowledge of health literacy strategies were predictors. Therefore, different strategies should be applied to increase the utilization of health literacy strategies.

Keywords

health literacy strategies theory of planned behavior Bahir Dar

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