Assessment of health literacy among migrant populations in Southern Spain: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to measure of health literacy in the migrant population and establish a type of immigrant profile with a higher risk of presenting low levels of health literacy. Design: A cross-sectional descriptive study. Methods: Health literacy was measured in a total of 278 immigrants using HLSEU-Q16. An inferential descriptive and multiple regression analysis was carried out. Results: 65.1% having inadequate and problematic health literacy. Significant correlations were found between health literacy and length of stay in Spain (r = .398), age (r = .178p) and perceived social status (r = .151). Participants with shorter length of stay (β = .405 1), without health sciences education (β = .205) and low education level (β = .182) had limited health literacy.