Abstract
Health literacy (HL) is associated with preventive health behaviors. Self-efficacy is a predictor of health behavior, including
physical activity (PA); however, causal pathways between HL and self-efficacy for PA are unknown, especially among Latinas
who are at risk for chronic disease. To explore this potential relationship, secondary analyses were conducted on data [Shortened
Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (STOFHLA), PA self-efficacy, and socio-demographics] from a 6-month, randomized
controlled trial of a print-based PA intervention (n = 89 Spanish-speaking Latinas). Linear regression models revealed associations
between HL and baseline self-efficacy in addition to changes in self-efficacy at 6-months. After controlling for significant
covariates, higher HL scores were associated with lower baseline PA self-efficacy. Regardless of treatment assignment, higher
HL scores at baseline predicted greater changes in PA self-efficacy at 6-months. HL may contribute to Latinas’ improved PA
self-efficacy, though further research is warranted.
physical activity (PA); however, causal pathways between HL and self-efficacy for PA are unknown, especially among Latinas
who are at risk for chronic disease. To explore this potential relationship, secondary analyses were conducted on data [Shortened
Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (STOFHLA), PA self-efficacy, and socio-demographics] from a 6-month, randomized
controlled trial of a print-based PA intervention (n = 89 Spanish-speaking Latinas). Linear regression models revealed associations
between HL and baseline self-efficacy in addition to changes in self-efficacy at 6-months. After controlling for significant
covariates, higher HL scores were associated with lower baseline PA self-efficacy. Regardless of treatment assignment, higher
HL scores at baseline predicted greater changes in PA self-efficacy at 6-months. HL may contribute to Latinas’ improved PA
self-efficacy, though further research is warranted.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-7
- DOI 10.1007/s10903-012-9666-7
- Authors
- Gregory M. Dominick, Department of Behavioral Health and Nutrition, University of Delaware, 26 North College Avenue, Newark, DE 19716, USA
- Shira I. Dunsiger, Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital and Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Dorothy W. Pekmezi, Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Bess H. Marcus, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, The University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
- Journal Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
- Online ISSN 1557-1920
- Print ISSN 1557-1912