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Health literacy among members of the Nepalese immigrant population in Canada

Abstract
Health literacy is an important public health concern and can be defined as ‘the degree or extent to which the individuals have the capacity to obtain, process and understand basic health information and services to make appropriate health decisions’. Research on health literacy among recent immigrants to Canada is not that extensive, so this research described health literacy status among Nepalese immigrants residing in Calgary, Alberta. Noteworthy levels of limited health literacy and marginal health literacy were observed among the Nepalese immigrant population. Multidirectional, culturally tailored, community-led, collaborative initiatives are needed to improve health literacy among the immigrant population, to lessen health disparities and to promote better health outcomes.
Authors: Kalpana Thapa-Bajgain,Bishnu Bahadur Bajgain,Rudra Dahal,Kamala Adhikari,Nashit Chowdhury,Mohammad ZI Chowdhury,Tanvir C. Turin Publication Date: 1/1/2023

Publication Type: Journal Article

URL:https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/00178969231151631
Notes

Community organizations: n/a

Future research / gaps identified:

This data is cross-sectional (taken only at one time point)- continue studies that track participants over time.

Integration timeline: not defined

Key findings:

  • 17.21% of survey participants had limited health literacy.
  • 40.15% who had marginal health literacy.
  • Gender, age, education, employment status and income were significantly associated with health literacy.
  • The majority of the survey participants (71.82%) either always or often got health information from healthcare professionals, followed by online resources (56.61%).

Key populations: Nepalese immigrants who now reside in Calgary

Location: Calgary, AB

Key recommendations:

Create culturally relevant and translated health literacy tools using a multidimensional community-led approach

Open access: No


Collections physical-and-mental-health , social-services

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