Initial development of the Health Literacy and Resiliency Scale: Youth version

Abstract

Background: Health literacy and resiliency are empirically linked to better adaptation and the ability to thrive in the face of living with a chronic disease. To date, there are limited tools to assess these constructs among youth. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate the Health Literacy and Resiliency Scale: Youth Version (HLRS-Y), a questionnaire designed to tap the current health knowledge and resiliency factors for youth and young adults with chronic health conditions.

Method: A multi-step process was used to create and validate the scale. A thorough review of the literature along with findings from focus groups guided initial item development. Items were refined through an expert review process and a pilot study (n = 25). All remaining items were administered to a national sample (n = 204) and responses were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA).

Results: The EFA revealed a three-factor structure: Knowledge, Self-Advocacy/Support, and Resiliency. The finalized scale contained 37 items; 10 items loaded on Knowledge (α = 0.88), 14 items on Self Advocacy/Support (α = 0.94), and 13 items on Resiliency (α = 0.93).

Conclusions: The HLRS-Y is the first general measure of health literacy and resiliency for youth and young adults with chronic health conditions. The information gleaned from the scale can be used to empower these individuals to develop health literacy skills, promote social connectedness and optimism, and adapt to living with their condition.

KEYWORDS:

• Health literacy
• Resiliency
• Self-advocacy
• Adolescent
• Chronic disease

Notes on contributors

Kathy Bradley-Klug, Ph.D. is the associate dean of Faculty Affairs and Research for the College of Education at the University of South Florida. She is a professor with Graduate Programs in School Psychology. Her teaching and research is focused on pediatric school psychology, including multidisciplinary collaboration, and health literacy.

Emily Shaffer-Hudkins, Ph.D. is an assistant professor for the College of Medicine at the University of South Florida. Her research includes studies of positive psychology and resiliency in healthcare.

Courtney Lynn is a doctoral student in the School Psychology program at the University of South Florida. Her research interests include examination of health literacy with youth and young adults with chronic health conditions

Kendall Jeffries DeLoatche, Ph.D. works as a school psychologist for the School District of Hillsborough County. Her clinical and research focus includes promoting caregiver–child relationships and enhancing collaboration across settings to support overall functioning of youth.

Jessica Montgomery is a graduate student in the Educational Measurement and Research program at the University of South Florida.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by The Patterson Foundation under Grant 6001100504.