Health Literacy Priorities and Activities of Migrant Faith-Based Organizations: Opportunities and Limitations

Keywords: health literacy, community health, faith-based, population health, Ghana
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract

Abstract

This study explored health literacy priorities and activities of migrant faith-based organization in Accra, Ghana. Specifically, the study sought to understand (1) the health issues that the organizations consider to be priority, and (2) the programs and interventions being implemented to address health literacy. This study is situated in the broader conceptual context of Organizational Health literacy – efforts by organizations to ensure easy comprehension, navigation, and use of health information and services to support their health. Although health literacy is an established social determinant of health, little is known in the population health literature about faith-based organizations’ efforts in ensuring a health literate membership. Drawing on the Community Health Literacy Assessment Framework, this study used a qualitative design to investigate health literacy priorities and activities of 50 faith-based organizations. A semi-structured interview was administered to the leaders or designees with in-depth knowledge of health activities in the organizations. Summative content analysis technique was employed to analyze, quantify, and interpret the interview text. The results show that the most cited priority was lifestyle-related diseases although several of the organizations did not indicate specific health priorities and others mentioned all aspects of health. Preventive health and malaria were also mentioned as priorities. The study found that the most cited activity being implemented to address health literacy was hosting health education programs and that was followed by health screening exercises. Finally, while admirable efforts are being made by several faith-based organizations to improve health literacy of congregants, there exist substantial activity deficits.