Health literacy matters : an assessment of health literacy knowledge and experiences of health professions students and eating disorder mental health literacy competencies of nursing students

Abstract

Among several obstacles healthcare professions face when providing care to patients, a notable barrier is health literacy. Health literacy (HL), is the ability to obtain and understand health information and necessary services to make appropriate health decisions. Mental health literacy (MHL) is the knowledge and beliefs of mental disorders that support the recognition, management, and prevention of mental disorders. Healthcare professionals must take steps to recognize patients at risk for low HL as well as mental illnesses such as eating disorders. Increasing knowledge, awareness, and education of HL and MHL among healthcare professionals has been shown to enhance delivery of care and improve patient outcomes, in addition to engaging in interprofessional practice. However, research examining this knowledge and awareness among undergraduate health professions students remain limited. This paper addresses this gap in the literature through two studies. The purpose of study one was to assess 1) the HL literacy knowledge, experiences, and preparedness of health professions students, and 2) the level of training, confidence, and preparedness related to interprofessional education and practice. Undergraduate health professions students (n=220) completed a 15-mintue online survey about HL and interprofessional practice. The purpose of study two was to assess the eating disorder-MHL knowledge, experience, and preparedness of nursing students. Undergraduate nursing students (n=5) took part in virtual mini-focus groups with questions about eating disorder-MHL. Overall, notable gaps were revealed, primarily within HL and MHL knowledge and awareness. Findings present a vital need to incorporate HL and MHL education and experiences into the curricula of health professionals. Further investigation of health professions students’ knowledge, awareness, and education of HL and MHL is warranted.