TITLE:
Health Literacy for Health Behaviour Change—A Study of Cancer Survivors in Nairobi Support Groups
AUTHORS:
Muthoni C. Laura, Owino George, Muia Daniel
KEYWORDS:
Health Literacy, Health Behavior
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.10 No.11,
October
13,
2022
ABSTRACT: With the increase of Non-Communicable Diseases
(NCDs), Health literacy has emerged as a strategy in improving patient
self-care behaviour resulting in reduced
morbidity and mortality. As such policy documents have been developed
resulting to the integration of patient education in health management systems.
This study was conducted with the purpose of assessing specific ways in which
health literacy has influenced health behaviour change amongst cancer
survivors. Through a survey, a sample of 115 cancer survivors in Nairobi County
was interviewed with the use of Semi structured questionnaires and data
analyzed using SPSS. Results indicated that most of the respondents were
motivated to practice health behaviour due to direct health and medical
benefits. In addition, many expressed their confidence in their ability to keep
up with health practices inculcated through the health literacy program.
However, existing socio-economic challenges delayed the taking up of health
practices. This study concluded that health literacy generally produces
positive results when articulated in an environment that takes into
consideration social and economic factors that could influence individual
health habits.