Health literacy on non-communicable diseases prevention among adults in Northwest of Amhara region, Ethiopia: A qualitative study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Health literacy is a multidimensional concept that encompasses a range of skills people need to function effectively and efficiently in a healthcare environment. This study, aims to fill the gap in knowledge about health literacy regarding noncommunicable disease prevention practices in the Ethiopian context. METHODS: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted to investigate health literacy-oriented noncommunicable disease prevention behaviors in the Amhara Region of Northwest Ethiopia. The study used focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of 51 diverse participants from the community and health system. To further understand participants' health literacy on common noncommunicable diseases, a thematic analysis approach was employed. Atlas TI. 9.1.3.0 software was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Four themes emerged regarding how health literacy relates to the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases. Factors contributing to low level of preventive behavior for noncommunicable diseases include the level of health literacy, lack of isolated comprehensive preventive health services room, a carefree attitude towards health, operational failures, knowledge gaps, and motivational variables. CONCLUSION: Participants demonstrated inadequate health literacy and held misconceptions about non-communicable diseases and their associated risk factors. To reduce the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases, this study highlights the need to address the diverse health literacy needs of adults-including the knowledge and skills required to recognize and act on these conditions or behaviors, and the ability to understand and respond to health requirements by implementing context specific health literacy improvement strategies for noncommunicable disease literacy.