Health literacy assessment of faith-based organizations in Accra, Ghana

Abstract

Health literacy is a major determinant of health across space. At different scales, optimal interplay between individual and organizational efforts is required to ensure a health literate population. This is essential because social and environmental determinants of health influence both the individual and populations across the life course. Despite this knowledge, little is known about faith-based organizations’ health literacy assets and gaps. Drawing on the community health literacy assessment framework, health literacy assets and gaps are assessed among 50 faith-based organizations in Accra, Ghana. Specifically, the study assessed (1) how the organizations defined health literacy, (2) the strategies used in identifying health literacy concerns in their organizations, (3) health literacy assets, and (4) health literacy gaps. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants from the organizations. Thematic and summative content analyses were used to appraise, interpret, and quantify the data from the interviews. Results show that while the organizations have varying definitions of health literacy, the most cited meaning of health literacy was right health information. Of the strategies used in identifying health literacy concerns, the most cited strategy was members’ medical status. While the most declared health literacy asset was the health experts of the organizations, the health literacy gap most spoken of was lack or inadequate health information, education, and communication (IEC) materials. An assessment of health literacy of faith-based organizations through a modified framework has illuminated our understanding of health literacy status of organizations and how these organizations may respond to members’ health needs.