Available online 17 May 2022, 151598
Highlights•Health literacy of Former Soviet Union Immigrants in the US was assessed.
•40% scored at problematic or inadequate health literacy levels.
•Several relevant social factors were identified through survey and interviews.
•Need to distribute health information in the native language
AbstractBackgroundPeople with limited health literacy may have trouble finding, understanding, and using health-related information and services and navigating the healthcare system.
PurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess the health literacy of immigrants from the former Soviet Union (FSU) using the Health Literacy Survey (HLS19-Q12 in Russian) and explore associated socio-demographic factors.
MethodThis mixed methods study recruited adult immigrants through social networks and social media and included data from online survey and follow-up interviews. Variance in health literacy was explained using multiple linear regression. Qualitative data were analyzed through modified Grounded Theory approach.
FindingsSurvey respondents (n = 318) were primarily female college-educated FSU immigrants aged 20–74 from 14 of the 15 FSU countries and distributed across 33 US states. Forty percent scored at or below predefined cut-offs for inadequate or problematic health literacy levels. Social status, social support, and English proficiency were significant variables in explaining variance in health literacy scores while controlling for age, gender, and education. Interviews (n = 24) identified eight themes: English proficiency, social support, health insurance, experience with health care, complexity of the US healthcare system, relevant health information, health beliefs/practices, and trust.
DiscussionThere is a need to distribute health-related information in the native language (e.g., Russian), potentially through social media and immigrants' social networks. Health providers should be aware of the prevalence of inadequate and problematic health literacy among FSU immigrants and consider associated social factors.
KeywordsHealth literacy
Healthcare system
Interview
Culturally and linguistically informed care
Russian
Former Soviet Union immigrants
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