Exploring the health literacy of First Nations young adult women

Abstract

Relative to non-First Nations, Inuit, and Métis (FNIM) Canadians, FNIM people have poorer health status. Accessing and comprehending information and services that influence health is a fundamental skill that enables individuals to function within a health care system that expects individuals to play an active role in promoting their health. A qualitative investigation of the health literacy skills and the health information needs of young FNIM adults was conducted. Eight single First Nation mothers living on-reserve were interviewed between February 2012 and September 2012. Data analysis generated main themes and subthemes of: (1) Health Information Needs of First Nations Young mothers; (2) Interpersonal Health Information Resources: (i) Asking the Doctor/Telehealth, (ii) Female Family and Friends; and (3) Online Accessibility and User Skills: (i) Health Information Online, (ii) Social Media, and (iii) Navigation and Computer Skills. Although participants used online and social media resources to access health information, they expressed a lack of confidence in their ability to comprehend accessed information. Strategies to support First Nations young mothers are recommended.

Keywords:

• Canada
• eHealth
• Health care disparities
• Health literacy
• Health promotion
• Health services accessibility
• Indigenous health services
• Online systems

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge and thank the contributions of all the participants in this research and also thank Dr Jerry White for his consultation and review of this work.

Disclaimer statements

Contributors The listed authors of this manuscript have contributed to the conceptual development of this research and have contributed to data collection, analysis, and writing of this manuscript.

Funding None.

Conflicts of interest The authors recognized and appreciate Dr Jerry White's review of this manuscript. The authors have no conflict of interest and no affiliation with any organization with financial interest, direct or indirect, in the subject matter of materials discussed in the manuscript.

Ethics approval Ethics approval was obtained for this study through the Western University Research Ethics Board and participant consent was obtained from all individuals prior to study participation.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ebony Rempel

Author information

Ebony Rempel is a PhD student at Western University, Canada. Her research focuses on issues of health literacy and eHealth literacy among marginalized populations.

Lorie Donelle

Lorie Donelle, RN, PhD is an associate professor, Faculty of Health Sciences at Western University, Canada. Her research explores issues of health literacy and the use of information technology among health care clients and providers.

Anita Kothari

Anita Kothari, PhD is an associate professor, Faculty of Health Sciences at Western University, Canada. She investigates knowledge translation and exchange within Public Health Services.