Health Literacy in Pregnant Women and Its Associations with Personal, Socioeconomic, and Health-Related Factors in Primary Care

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Health literacy (HL) plays a fundamental role in maternal and neonatal outcomes by influencing women's ability to access, understand, and apply health information during pregnancy. However, evidence regarding the determinants of HL among pregnant women remains limited, particularly within the Spanish context. This study aimed to assess HL levels among pregnant women and to examine their association with personal, socioeconomic, and health-related factors. <b>Methods:</b> A cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2023 and February 2024 across nine primary care centres within the Vigo Health Area (Spain), including 182 pregnant women receiving prenatal care. HL was measured using the 16-item European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q16). Sociodemographic, obstetric, and health-related variables were collected through structured interviews. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed to explore associations between HL and the selected variables. <b>Results:</b> Limited HL was observed in 35.7% of participants. A significant association was found between HL and family income (<i>p</i> = 0.037), with limited HL being more frequent among women with a monthly family income below €2000. No associations were identified with other sociodemographic or health-related variables. Thirty-nine per cent of participants visited hospital emergency services on two or more occasions, mostly without admission. The main source of information was healthcare professionals, although Internet use was also relevant. <b>Conclusions:</b> The prevalence of limited HL was lower than that reported in other national studies, although inequalities related to family income persisted. These findings highlight the need to incorporate systematic, HL-tailored strategies into prenatal care, based on prior HL assessment, to promote informed decision-making and improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.

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Publication Details

Journal
Nursing Reports
Published
2025-12-08
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15120436
Primary Topic
Health Literacy and Information Accessibility
Type
article
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article

Health Literacy in Pregnant Women and Its Associations with Personal, Socioeconomic, and Health-Related Factors in Primary Care

Myriam Alvariñas Villaverde, Emili Díaz
Nursing Reports
Health Literacy and Information Accessibility
article

Health Literacy in Pregnant Women and Its Associations with Personal, Socioeconomic, and Health-Related Factors in Primary Care

Myriam Alvariñas Villaverde, Emili Díaz
article en

Abstract

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Health literacy (HL) plays a fundamental role in maternal and neonatal outcomes by influencing women's ability to access, understand, and apply health information during pregnancy. However, evidence regarding the determinants of HL among pregnant women remains limited, particularly within the Spanish context. This study aimed to assess HL levels among pregnant women and to examine their association with personal, socioeconomic, and health-related factors. <b>Methods:</b> A cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2023 and February 2024 across nine primary care centres within the Vigo Health Area (Spain), including 182 pregnant women receiving prenatal care. HL was measured using the 16-item European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q16). Sociodemographic, obstetric, and health-related variables were collected through structured interviews. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed to explore associations between HL and the selected variables. <b>Results:</b> Limited HL was observed in 35.7% of participants. A significant association was found between HL and family income (<i>p</i> = 0.037), with limited HL being more frequent among women with a monthly family income below €2000. No associations were identified with other sociodemographic or health-related variables. Thirty-nine per cent of participants visited hospital emergency services on two or more occasions, mostly without admission. The main source of information was healthcare professionals, although Internet use was also relevant. <b>Conclusions:</b> The prevalence of limited HL was lower than that reported in other national studies, although inequalities related to family income persisted. These findings highlight the need to incorporate systematic, HL-tailored strategies into prenatal care, based on prior HL assessment, to promote informed decision-making and improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Nursing ReportsVol. 15(12)
University Hospital Complex Of Vigo (ES), Galicia Sur Biomedical Foundation (ES), Universidade de Vigo (ES)
Openalex Percentile: Top 44%
Health Literacy and Information Accessibility
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