Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health

Original Articles

Cross-cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Validation of 3 Health Literacy Instruments (SAHL-E, AAHLS, and HLS-EU-Q47) in Hindi Among Rural Adults in North India: Dheeraj Sharma; J Prev Med Public Health. 2026;59(2):194-203. Published online March 30, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.25.893

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material: Objectives
Health literacy (HL) is a key determinant of health behaviors and health outcomes. However, the lack of validated Hindi-language instruments limits its assessment in India. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and psychometrically validate 3 internationally recognized tools—the Short Assessment of Health Literacy in English (SAHL-E), the All Aspects of Health Literacy Scale (AAHLS), and the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q47)—for Hindi-speaking adults in rural North India.
Methods
A community-based cross-sectional study enrolled 250 adults from 5 villages in Uttar Pradesh. Translation followed forward–backward procedures with expert review and pretesting. Psychometric evaluation included internal consistency (Cronbach α), test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients, ICC), construct validity (exploratory factor analysis), convergent and known-groups validity, and feasibility indicators (completion rates and interview duration).
Results
All instruments demonstrated strong psychometric performance. Cronbach α values were 0.84 (SAHL-E), 0.87 (AAHLS), and 0.93 (HLS-EU-Q47), and ICCs ranged from 0.86 to 0.94. Factor structures aligned with theoretical expectations. Convergent correlations ranged from 0.42 to 0.61 (p<0.001), and known-groups validity analyses showed significant differences according to education and occupation. Completion rates exceeded 98%, and the mean interview duration was approximately 32 minutes.
Conclusions
The Hindi-adapted SAHL-E, AAHLS, and HLS-EU-Q47 demonstrated strong reliability, validity, and feasibility for assessing HL among rural adults in India.; Summary

Key Message
The Hindi versions of SAHL-E, AAHLS, and HLS-EU-Q47 showed acceptable reliability and construct validity among rural adults in North India. The instruments retained their expected factor structures and demonstrated moderate correlations with each other, indicating related but distinct dimensions of health literacy. These findings support their use for assessing health literacy in Hindi-speaking rural populations.

Income-related Inequalities in Cancer Screening Among Korean Adults Aged 40 and Above: A Cross-sectional Analysis of the Age-varying Mediation of Health Literacy: Hyejin Hong, Hyun-Jin Goo, Hyebin Choi, Sin Kam, Jong-Yeon Kim; J Prev Med Public Health. 2026;59(2):184-193. Published online March 12, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.25.866

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material: Objectives
This study investigated how the mediating effect of health literacy (HL) on the association between income and cancer screening participation varies by age among Korean adults aged 40 years and older, with the aim of identifying the optimal timing for HL interventions.
Methods
Data from 4171 adults aged ≥40 years in the 2023 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed using moderated mediation analysis implemented with the lavaan.survey package, accounting for the complex sampling design. The Johnson–Neyman technique was used to identify age thresholds at which the mediation effect became statistically significant, and the number needed to benefit (NNB) was calculated to estimate the potential efficiency of interventions targeting this pathway.
Results
Each 1-quintile increase in income was associated with a 16.0% higher likelihood of undergoing cancer screening (odds ratio=1.16, p<0.001). The mediating effect of HL increased significantly with age (index of moderated mediation=0.000438, p=0.048). Mediation became statistically significant from age 54.2 years (Johnson–Neyman threshold), with the proportion of the total effect mediated rising from 0.1% among adults aged 40–49 years to 8.1% among those aged ≥70 years. The NNB for this pathway indicated substantial intervention efficiency in older adults (NNB=372 for ages ≥70), whereas the mediation effect was not statistically significant in the 50–59 age group.
Conclusions
HL significantly mediated the relationship between income and cancer screening participation from the mid-50s onward, with progressively greater contributions at older ages. These findings support age-differentiated strategies, including structural accessibility improvements for adults in their 40s and early 50s and integrated income–HL interventions for individuals aged ≥55 years. Experimental studies are warranted to confirm these associations.; Summary

Korean summary
40세 이상 한국 성인에서 소득과 암검진 참여 간 건강문해력의 매개효과는 54.2세부터 유의해지기 시작하여 연령 증가에 따라 점진적으로 강화되었다. 70세 이상에서 매개 비율은 8.1%, 중재효율(NNB=372)이 가장 높았다. 이는 55세 이상에서 소득 지원과 건강문해력 향상을 결합한 연령별 맞춤형 중재가 필요함을 시사한다.

Key Message
Health literacy mediation of the income–cancer screening relationship became statistically significant from age 54.2 years and strengthened progressively with age among Korean adults aged ≥40 years. Among adults aged ≥70 years, health literacy accounted for 8.1% of the total income effect, with the highest intervention efficiency (NNB=372). These findings suggest that integrated income support and health literacy interventions are warranted for adults aged ≥55 years.

Causal Model of Herb Use Behavior Among Working-age Adults in Thailand: Pitchada Prasittichok, Patcharee Duangchan, Sattawat Prapasiri, Ungsinun Intarakamhang; J Prev Med Public Health. 2024;57(4):399-406. Published online June 21, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.23.554

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Abstract Summary PDF: Objectives
This study developed a causal relationship model of herb use from observational data and analyzed the direct and indirect effects of herb use on health according to the model.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 400 participants aged 26-59 years, selected through multistage random sampling. The instruments used for data collection included demographic information, herb use, health literacy (HL), perceived social support, societal values, and attitudes toward herb use. The conceptual model, hypothesized based on prior evidence, was tested using confirmatory factor analysis through structural equation modeling. Path coefficients were estimated using the maximum likelihood method.
Results
The final model utilized empirical data, which showed that perceived social support had the most significant impact on herb use. This was followed by HL, positive attitudes toward herbal remedies, and societal values, with coefficients of 0.31, 0.18, and 0.16, respectively. When analyzing variables that indirectly affected herb use, it was clear that positive attitudes, perceived social support, and societal values significantly influenced herb use through HL, with influence coefficients of 0.08, 0.16, and 0.04, respectively. Together, these variables accounted for 68% of the variance in herb use.
Conclusions
The findings from this study can be utilized to develop and implement strategies that guide the use of herbal products, ultimately aiming to improve human health.; Summary

Key Message
A causal relationship model of herb use was created from observational data in this research, and the direct and indirect impacts of herb use on health were examined based on the model. The most vital factor influencing the use of herbal remedies is the level of social support perceived by an individual. Significant roles are also played by health literacy, positive attitudes toward herbal remedies, and societal values. Positive outlooks, community backing, and cultural principles indirectly influence the utilization of herbal remedies through health literacy. The research results can help develop approaches to encourage the correct usage of herbal items, ultimately improving public health.

Environmental Health Literacy Regarding Fine Particulate Matter and Related Factors Among Village Health Volunteers in Upper Northern Thailand: Nattapon Pansakun, Warangkana Naksen, Waraporn Boonchieng, Parichat Ong-artborirak, Tippawan Prapamontol; J Prev Med Public Health. 2024;57(2):138-147. Published online February 10, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.23.434

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Abstract PDF

Objectives
Fine particulate matter pollution has emerged as a significant life-threatening issue in Thailand. Recognizing the importance of environmental health literacy (EHL) in disease prevention is crucial for protecting public health. This study investigated EHL levels and aimed to identify associated factors among village health volunteers (VHVs) in the upper northern region of Thailand.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data from 710 VHVs using the EHL assessment tool developed by the Department of Health, Thailand.
Results
The overall EHL score was moderate (mean, 3.28 out of a possible 5.0), with the highest and lowest domain-specific mean score for the ability to make decisions (3.52) and the ability to access (3.03). Multiple linear regression revealed that the factors associated with EHL score were area of residence (urban areas in Chiang Mai: B=0.254; urban areas in Lampang: B=0.274; and rural areas in Lampang: B=0.250 compared to rural areas in Chiang Mai), higher education levels (senior high school: B=0.212; diploma/high vocational certificate: B=0.350; bachelor’s degree or above: B=0.528 compared to elementary school or lower), having annual health checkups compared to not having annual health check-ups (B=0.142), monthly family income (B=0.004), and individuals frequently facing air pollution issues around their residence (B=0.199) compared to those who reported no such issues.
Conclusions
The VHVs exhibited moderate EHL associated with residence area, education, health check-ups, family income, and residential air pollution. Considering these factors is vital for enhancing VHVs’ EHL through strategic interventions.

Summary

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Educação em saúde ambiental nas escolas de ensino básico: uma proposta para fortalecimento curricular e metodologias tecnológicas
Fernando Pêgas da Silva, Prisca Dara Lunieres Pêgas Coelho
Ivy Enber Scientific Journal.2026; (Anais): 54. CrossRef
Environmental Health Literacy of Brazilian Indigenous People
Bernardo Oliveira Buta, Wauana Sheeva Costa Silva Manchineri, Matheus Britto Froner, Maria Berta Ecija, Debora Helena Rosa Cardoso, Benjamin Miranda Tabak
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2025; 22(4): 625. CrossRef
Development of personal air pollution exposure report-back materials to Household Air Pollution Intervention Network (HAPIN) trial participants in Guatemala and Rwanda: a qualitative study
Ashlinn Quinn, Mayari Hengstermann, Anaite Diaz-Artiga, Ajay Pillarisetti, Maggie Clark, Laura Ruiz-Aguilar, Florien Ndagijimana, John P McCracken, Ghislaine Rosa, William Checkley, Jennifer Peel, Thomas F Clasen, Lisa Thompson
BMJ Global Health.2025; 10(5): e017672. CrossRef
Scale validation and prediction of environmental health literacy in Brazil
Bernardo Oliveira Buta, Matheus Britto Froner, Benjamin Miranda Tabak
Scientific Reports.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Educação em saúde ambiental nas escolas de ensino básico: uma proposta para fortalecimento curricular e metodologias tecnológicas
Fernando Pêgas da Silva, Prisca Dara Lunieres Pêgas Coelho
Ivy Enber Scientific Journal.2025; 4(2): 28. CrossRef

Teachers’ Negative Attitudes and Limited Health Literacy Levels as Risks for Low Awareness of Epilepsy in Turkey: Gulay Yilmazel; J Prev Med Public Health. 2023;56(6):573-582. Published online November 13, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.23.330

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Abstract Summary PDF Supplementary Material

Objectives
For students with epilepsy, schools are a critical environment for managing the disease properly. This study examined awareness of epilepsy, attitudes toward epilepsy, and health literacy among school teachers in Turkey.
Methods
This study was conducted in a city in Turkey with 1408 public school teachers from June 2021 to September 2021.
Results
The median scores of the scales were 5, 29, and 32 for epilepsy awareness, epilepsy attitudes, and health literacy, respectively. Epilepsy awareness was higher in women, and epilepsy attitudes were more positive in women than men (p<0.05). While epilepsy awareness was higher in primary school teachers, epilepsy attitudes were more positive in secondary school teachers (p<0.05). Epilepsy awareness was lower in secondary school teachers (odds ratio [OR], 1.27; p<0.05), those who did not have an individual with epilepsy in their family/social environment (OR, 1.57; p<0.001), those who did not have a student with epilepsy in their class (OR, 1.45; p<0.05), and in those who had not witnessed an epilepsy seizure (OR,1.19; p<0.05). Compared to those with positive attitudes regarding epilepsy, epilepsy awareness was 1.36 times lower in those with negative attitudes (p<0.001). Epilepsy awareness was 1.92 times lower in those with limited health literacy than those with adequate health literacy (p<0.001).
Conclusions
In this study, low epilepsy awareness, negative epilepsy attitudes, and limited health literacy were common among teachers. The findings from this study suggest that panels, workshops, and health training on epilepsy should be organized for school teachers and included at regular intervals in certified first-aid practices.

Summary

Key Message
• This article examined school teachers' barriers to epilepsy awareness. • Awareness was low, negative attitudes were high, and health literacy level was limited. • Negative attitudes and limited health literacy were the most effective risks for poor awareness.

Citations

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Evaluation of teachers’ first aid knowledge about children with seizures before and after video simulation training
Pınar Özkan Kart, Beril Dilber, Sinan Paslı, Nihal Yıldız, Ahmet Kağan Özkaya, Gülnur Esenülkü, Tülay Kamaşak, Elif Acar Arslan, Sevim Şahin, Ali Cansu
Trends in Pediatrics.2026; 7(1): 52. CrossRef
Visually Enhanced Mental Simulation (VEMS) in teacher candidates’ emergency response to epileptic seizures and attitudes toward epilepsy
Ebru Bağ, Eylem Topbaş, Gökçe Yüce Onur, Zahide Tunçbilek
Epilepsy & Behavior.2026; 180: 111022. CrossRef
Health Literacy and Attitudes Towards Childhood Epilepsy
Burcu cengiz, Gulendam Karadag
Journal of Community Health Nursing.2025; 42(1): 43. CrossRef
The relationship between attitudes toward epilepsy and health literacy in Turkey: The mediating role of epilepsy knowledge
Emre Erkal
Seizure: European Journal of Epilepsy.2025; 125: 186. CrossRef
The effect of a web-based epilepsy education program developed for teachers on their knowledge, attitudes, and self-management
Fulya Merve Kos, Murat Bektas, Dijle Ayar
Epilepsy & Behavior.2025; 171: 110637. CrossRef
The Role of Pharmacists’ Interventions in Increasing Medication Adherence of Patients With Epilepsy: A Scoping Review
Iin Ernawati, Nanang Munif Yasin, Ismail Setyopranoto, Zullies Ikawati
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health.2024; 57(3): 212. CrossRef

An Important Strategy to Improve Adolescent Health Literacy: COVID-19 Modules in High School in Indonesia: Nurina Hasanatuludhhiyah, Visuddho Visuddho, Abdul Khairul Rizki Purba, Annette d’ Arqom, Ancah Caesarina Novi Marchianti; J Prev Med Public Health. 2023;56(6):523-532. Published online November 1, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.23.113

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Abstract Summary PDF

Objectives
During the second coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) surge, cases increased sharply due to low awareness and compliance with measures to limit disease spread. Health literacy (HL) is an important component of public health initiatives, and schools are potential sources of health education to increase HL via the presentation of COVID-19 educational modules.
Methods
This cross-sectional study involved an online questionnaire administered to students from 5 high schools in Surabaya and Sidoarjo, Indonesia, 6-7 weeks after the start of government-issued directives restricting public gatherings. We collected data on each respondent’s age, gender, parental education, and socioeconomic variables. HL was determined by the Health Literacy Measure for Adolescents. We additionally measured their attitudes and behaviors related to preventing the spread of COVID-19. The students were asked if they watched the COVID-19 module at school, their feelings about vaccination, and preferred online sources of COVID-19-related information.
Results
Most of the 432 respondents had viewed COVID-19 modules at school. Module exposure was associated with significantly higher total and domain-specific HL and more positive attitudes toward government-issued COVID-19 restrictions on travel and public gatherings (p<0.05). However, behaviors to prevent COVID-19 spread and vaccine acceptance were not associated with module exposure. Most students chose social media as their source of COVID-19-related information.
Conclusions
Schools can provide information to increase adolescents’ HL and the public’s support for health initiatives to prevent or limit the spread of COVID-19.

Summary

Key Message
A cross-sectional study carried out on high school students during the second surge of COVID-19 in Indonesia revealed that they benefitted from the COVID-19 module. Students who viewed the module had higher scores on health literacy measures of adolescents (HELMA), had a more favorable attitude toward government-issued restrictive policies, and were more likely to have adequate health literacy, in regard to the ability to use health information. These imply schools as part of the public health response by providing education to increase adolescents’ health literacy and the public’s support for health initiatives to prevent and limit the spread of COVID-19.

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A systematic review of psychological factors influencing attitudes and intentions toward, and uptake of, Covid-19 vaccines in adolescents
Angie Pitt, Richard Amlôt, Catherine Heffernan, G. James Rubin, Louise E. Smith
Vaccine: X.2026; 29: 100785. CrossRef
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Jurnal Masyarakat Madani Indonesia.2026;[Epub] CrossRef
TikTok and digital health literacy: A systematic review
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IFLA Journal.2025; 51(2): 490. CrossRef

The Effect of an Educational Intervention on Health Literacy and the Adoption of Nutritional Preventive Behaviors Related to Osteoporosis Among Iranian Health Volunteers: Leila Dehghankar, Rahman Panahi, Elham Hasannia, Fatemeh Hemmati, Fatemeh Samiei Siboni; J Prev Med Public Health. 2021;54(6):404-411. Published online October 22, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.21.183

8,637 View
210 Download
6 Web of Science
7 Crossref

Abstract PDF

Objectives
Given the increase in osteoporosis among health volunteers and the effect of health literacy on the adoption of nutritional preventive behaviors, this study aimed to determine the effects of an educational intervention on health literacy and the adoption of nutritional preventive behaviors related to osteoporosis among health volunteers.
Methods
This was a quasi-experimental, interventional study of health volunteers conducted in 2020. In this study, 140 subjects (70 in both intervention and control groups) were selected using the random multi-stage sampling method. An educational intervention was conducted using the Telegram application, and educational messages were sent to the health volunteers in the intervention group across 6 sessions. Data were collected via a demographic questionnaire, the Health Literacy for Iranian Adults survey, and a nutritional performance questionnaire, which were completed before and 3 months after the intervention. The data were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 23.
Results
Before the intervention, there were no significant differences in the mean scores for health literacy variables and the adoption of nutritional preventive behaviors between the intervention and control groups (p>0.05). After the intervention, there was a significant change in the mean scores for health literacy and the adoption of preventive behaviors in the intervention group (p<0.05) as opposed to the control group.
Conclusions
Interventions aimed at increasing health literacy are effective for promoting the adoption of preventive and healthy nutritional behaviors related to osteoporosis.

Summary

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Frontiers in Public Health.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
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