ASSESSMENT OF HEALTH LITERACY IN A SELECTED POPULATION OF RAWALPINDI CANTONMENT, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted to determine health literacy of Army population in Rawalpindi
cantonment.
Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional survey.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Rawalpindi station from November 2014 to March
2015.
Methodology: A structured questionnaire, adopted from Asian health literacy association was used. It
assessed HL through 12 sub-dimensions. The sample size for the survey was 246. Sample selection was done
through purposive sampling. One hundred and fifty five (63%) respondents completed the survey out of 246.
Results: The results of survey showed that 33.39% had fair HL, 21.13% had poor HL and 12.26% were very
poor in HL. It also showed a positive association between HL and educational level; the higher the
educational level, the higher the HL. Significant variations are noted in the gender groups, female having
higher health literacy levels than males, which may be due to their higher educational levels.
Conclusion: In order to achieve better health status, assessment of HL level is important so that interventions
can be carried out to address improving healthy behaviours and increase utilization of health facilities.