Evaluation of Health Literacy in Academics at the University of Ghana: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Research has shown that low health literacy levels can result in delayed access to information for timely disease diagnosis, diminished self-care abilities, and a higher prevalence of chronic diseases, ultimately contributing to increased mortality rates. In this study, we explored the determinants of health literacy among academics at the University of Ghana, assessed the prevalence of chronic diseases, and analysed health literacy factors based on the sex of the academics. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved academics from the University of Ghana, selected using an enhanced voluntary response sampling method. A self-administered health literacy survey questionnaire was distributed to participants via staff emails. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to address the study objectives. Results: The study reveals that a smaller proportion of the academics (31% of the sample) have chronic conditions. While having a chronic condition is positively associated with health literacy, it does not significantly impact it. The findings indicate that “actively managing health” and “appraising health information” positively and significantly influence health literacy, although their impact is relatively modest. Conversely, “navigating the healthcare system” has a substantial and significant effect on health literacy. Interestingly, “social support for health” negatively affects the likelihood of health literacy among academics. Conclusion: The study concludes that health literacy among the university academics is shaped by factors including sex, “actively managing health”, “social support for health”, “and appraisal of health information”, and “navigating the healthcare system”. The prevalence of chronic diseases among the sampled academics was low. In terms of health literacy differences by sex, male academics were mainly influenced by “having sufficient information to manage health” and “navigating the healthcare system”, while female academics were primarily influenced by “having sufficient information to manage health”.