Exploring the health literacy of First Nations young adult women

• Published in: Journal of Communication in Healthcare
• Main Authors: Rempel, Ebony, Donelle, Lorie, Kothari, Anita
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: Scholarship@Western 2016
• Subjects: Canada; eHealth; Health care disparities; Health literacy; Health promotion; Health services accessibility; Indigenous health services; Online systems; First Nations; inuit
• Online Access: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/nursingpub/378; https://doi.org/10.1080/17538068.2015.1122873

Abstract: Relative to non-First Nations, Inuit, and Métis (FNIM) Canadians, FNIM people have poorer health status. Accessing and comprehending information and services that influence health is a fundamental skill that enables individuals to function within a health care system that expects individuals to play an active role in promoting their health. A qualitative investigation of the health literacy skills and the health information needs of young FNIM adults was conducted. Eight single First Nation mothers living on-reserve were interviewed between February 2012 and September 2012. Data analysis generated main themes and subthemes of: (1) Health Information Needs of First Nations Young mothers; (2) Interpersonal Health Information Resources: (i) Asking the Doctor/Telehealth, (ii) Female Family and Friends; and (3) Online Accessibility and User Skills: (i) Health Information Online, (ii) Social Media, and (iii) Navigation and Computer Skills. Although participants used online and social media resources to access health information, they expressed a lack of confidence in their ability to comprehend accessed information. Strategies to support First Nations young mothers are recommended.