Predictors of Intention to use Health Literacy Strategies in Patient Education among Health Care Professionals at Public Hospitals of Bahir Dar City: Application of Theory of Planned Behavior

Abstract

PurposeHealth literacy strategies were using plain language, using visual aids, using the teach-back method, limiting the number of items provided, and providing culture-sensitive care. This study aimed to assess predictors of intention to use health literacy strategies in patient education among healthcare professionals.DesignAn institutional-based cross-sectional study, theory of planned behavior.SettingBahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia, from March 10 to April 10, 2023.Subjects422 healthcare professionals.MeasuresSix items with a response range from 1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree each item was summed on a five-point Likert scale and its score range (6-30).AnalysisLinear regression, SPSS version 25.ResultsA total of 389 healthcare professionals participated with a response rate of 92.18%. The overall mean intention towards health literacy strategies score was 24.02 with (SD ± 3.84). Subjective norm [(β, .231; 95% CI: .129, .333)], attitude [β, .162; 95% CI: .072, .252], perceived behavioral control [(β, .121; 95% CI: .022, .221)], having got training [(β, .125; 95% CI: .348, .530)] and knowing health literacy [(β, .251; 95% CI: .131, .371)] were factors.ConclusionThe mean score of intention to use health literacy strategies was very low. Attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, training, and knowledge of health literacy strategies were predictors. Therefore, different strategies should be applied to increase the utilization of health literacy strategies.