Health Literacy Levels among Italian Students: Monitoring and Promotion at School

Veronica Velasco, Andrea Gragnano, Gruppo Regionale HBSC Lombardia 2018 and Luca Piero Vecchio
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Veronica Velasco: Psychology Department, Milano-Bicocca University, 20126 Milan, Italy
Andrea Gragnano: Psychology Department, Milano-Bicocca University, 20126 Milan, Italy
Gruppo Regionale HBSC Lombardia 2018: Regione Lombardia, DG Welfare, 20124 Milan, Italy
Luca Piero Vecchio: Psychology Department, Milano-Bicocca University, 20126 Milan, Italy

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 19, 1-13

Abstract: Health literacy was identified as an important determinant of health, particularly for adolescents. However, more efforts are needed to monitor this construct and provide inputs for policy development. This study aims to: (a) Assess the validity and reliability of the Italian version of the Health Literacy for School-Aged Children (HLSAC-I); (b) Identify the health literacy levels among Italian students and compare them with other countries’ levels; and (c) Identify the associations between health literacy and multiple social determinants (social stratifiers, family, and school connectedness). Data came from the Health Behaviour School-Aged Children survey, carried out in the Lombardy region in northern Italy in 2018. A representative sample of 2,287 13- and 15-year-old Lombardian students was involved. The results support the validity and reliability of the HLSAC-I. A total of 18.7% of the sample reported low levels, and only 6.8% reported high levels. Italian students reported the lowest levels of health literacy compared with other countries. School connectedness and educational approach are the most relevant associated factors. This study confirms a school’s role in reducing inequalities and promoting health. It highlights the importance of monitoring health literacy and implementing health promotion policies at school through a whole-school approach.

Keywords: health literacy; adolescent; health promotion; school health; school-aged children; measurement; family support; school support (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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