Health literacy assessment of the STOFHLA: paper versus electronic administration continuation study

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Authors
Chesser, Amy K.
Woods, Nikki Keene
Wipperman, Jennifer
Wilson, Rachel
Dong, Frank
Advisors
Issue Date
2014-02
Type
Article
Keywords
Evaluation , Health literacy , Primary care , Rapid assessment , Screening
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Citation
Chesser, Amy K.; Woods, Nikki Keene; Wipperman, Jennifer; Wilson, Rachel; Dong, Frank. 2014. Health literacy assessment of the STOFHLA: paper versus electronic administration continuation study. Health Education & Behavior, vol. 41:no. 1:ppg. 19-24
Abstract

Low health literacy is associated with poor health outcomes. Research is needed to understand the mechanisms and pathways of its effects. Computer-based assessment tools may improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness of health literacy research. The objective of this preliminary study was to assess if administration of the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (STOFHLA) through a computer-based medium was comparable to the paper-based test in terms of accuracy and time to completion. A randomized, crossover design was used to compare computer versus paper format of the STOFHLA at a Midwestern family medicine residency program. Eighty participants were initially randomized to either computer (n = 42) or paper (n = 38) format of the STOFHLA. After a 30-day washout period, participants returned to complete the other version of the STOFHLA. Data analysis revealed no significant difference between paper- and computer-based surveys (p = .9401; N = 57). The majority of participants showed adequate health literacy via paper- and computer-based surveys (100% and 97% of participants, respectively). Electronic administration of STOFHLA results were equivalent to the paper administration results for evaluation of adult health literacy. Future investigations should focus on expanded populations in multiple health care settings and validation of other health literacy screening tools in a clinical setting.

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Publisher
Society for Public Health Education
Journal
Book Title
Series
Health Education & Behavior;v.41:no.1
PubMed ID
DOI
ISSN
1090-1981
EISSN