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Showing 3 results for Health Literacy
Health Literacy and Its Associated Factors: A Population-Based Study, Hormuz Island
M Saatchi, Mh Panahi, A Ashraf Mozafari, M Sahebkar, A Azarpakan, V Baigi, K Holakouie Naieni ,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (9-2017)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The awareness of the health knowledge level of a population and the weaknesses in people's health literacy is essential for educational planning. This community assessment study, which was conducted to develop an appropriate infrastructure for educational planning, examined the level of health literacy in Hormuz Island’s residents.
Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was done on a sample of people over 18 years in Hormuz Island. Data were collected by two questionnaires which included basic information such as age, sex, marital status, age at marriage, and also indirect questions regarding the economic status of the individuals. Also, the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adult (S-TOFLHA) was used to measure the patient's ability to read and understand health-related concepts. The linear regression analysis was performed.
Results: The data provided by 486 individuals were analyzed in this study. The mean age was 39 years (18-79) and 48% were female. The mean household size was 4.5 people. The mean score of the subjects was 58.06. Thirty-five percent had less-than-sufficient health literacy, 18.21% had sufficient health literacy, 12.29% had insufficient, and 7.14% had higher health literacy. Education level (P<0.001), economic status (P<0.001), and age (P<0.001) were the main variables influencing health literacy in the sample.
Conclusion: Community assessment showed that older age groups did not have sufficient health literacy. Low economic status accompanied by low levels of literacy makes individuals less motivated to improve their health knowledge and, consequently, leads to low levels of health literacy in Hormuz.
The Necessity of Designing a Tool for Measuring Traffic Literacy in Iran
Rahman Panahi, Armin Baleshzar, Ali Zahmatkesh,
Volume 20, Issue 4 (3-2025)
Abstract
A review of studies has revealed that the concept of traffic literacy in Iran has not been investigated so far, and there is no valid and reliable tool to measure traffic literacy. In addition, there is a relationship between health literacy in one hand, and managing diseases and accidents, the number of traffic injuries and prevention of road traffic injuries in other hand. Also, considering the relationship between health literacy and the management of diseases and accidents, the rate of traffic injuries, and its role in preventing road traffic injuries, and considering the potential impact of health literacy in promoting safer practices for pedestrians and for having a healthier and safer society, it seems necessary to design a tool to measure traffic literacy in the country.

The Relationship Between Health Literacy and Motivation for Methadone Maintenance Treatment among People with Substance Use Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study
Rahman Panahi, Keyhan Javanmardi, Mohammad Hadi Sarvari, Samira Ghayoumi Aval Noughabi,
Volume 22, Issue 2 (9-2026)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Health literacy (HL) has an impact on the level of addiction. On the other hand, methadone maintenance treatment is one of the most widely used treatments for opioid use disorder. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the relationship between motivations for methadone maintenance treatment and HL in people with substance use disorders.
Methods: In a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study, 230 eligible individuals with substance use disorders referring to addiction treatment centers in Qayenat city were recruited in 2024–2025 through one-stage cluster sampling. Data collection tools included demographic and background characteristics, the HL of Iranian Adults (HELIA) questionnaire, and a questionnaire to measure motivations for methadone maintenance treatment. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 and descriptive statistics and logistic regression.
Results: Education level (P=0.021, CI=1.218-3.101, OR=2.124), use of psychotropic drugs, tramadol and Ritalin (P=0.015, CI=1.019-1.791, OR=1.371), and amount of substance used (P=0.013, CI=1.196-2.057, OR=1.458) were significantly associated with motivation for methadone maintenance treatment. Furthermore, compared with individuals with inadequate health literacy, the odds of having a desirable level of motivation for methadone maintenance treatment were 1.249 times higher among those with problematic health literacy (95% CI: 1.139–1.478, P=0.011), 2.336 times higher among those with sufficient health literacy (95% CI: 1.131–3.457, P=0.009), and 3.115 times higher among those with excellent health literacy (95% CI: 1.128–5.134, P=0.004).
Conclusion: Given the moderate level of motivation for methadone maintenance treatment, its promotion should be a priority for health policymakers and addiction treatment center officials. In designing and implementing educational programs to promote it, special attention should be paid to addicts with the following characteristics: education level below diploma, no use of psychotropic drugs, tramadol, and Ritalin, low drug use, and insufficient HL.

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