Prof. Graeme Drummond Smith1, Prof. Anne Bonner1, Dr. Sara Poon1, Prof. Angela Leung1, Dr. Danny Tong1, Dr. SF Lui1
1Saint Francis University, , Hong Kong
Biography:
Professor Graeme D. Smith is currently a Professor of Nursing in the S. K. Yee School of Health Sciences, St. Francis University, Hong Kong. He has been a Fellow of the European Academy of Nursing Science since 2003. His doctoral studies at University of Edinburgh arose from an interest in psychological healthcare, where he is a Honorary Professor. His current research interests include health literacy in CKD, loneliness in older people and resilience. Professor Smith is currently the editor of the Journal of Advanced Nursing.
Abstract:
Background: Globally, chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses significant health challenges, effective self-management is crucial to prevent disease progression to complete kidney failure. This study aimed to examine the role health literacy (HL) in adults with CKD in Hong Kong, to determine factors that may influence effective disease self-management. Methods: This exploratory qualitative study, part of a larger sequential mixed method study, aimed to gain an understanding of the lived experience of accessing, prioritizing and appraising health-related information, in Hong Kong based adults with CKD. Twenty-two study participants, with confirmed Grade 3-5 diagnosis of CKD, attending a patient self-help group in Hong Kong (mean age of 60.82 SD 10.22, age range 35 to 76 years), took part in five focus groups. In each focus group a semi structured approach was used to facilitate in-depth discussion.
Results: Four themes emerged from thematic analysis of the transcribed focus groups, namely reasons to search for health information, sources of health information, fellow patients are the best companions and health information on the internet. Sub-themes from the health information on the internet theme included, trustworthiness of information, conflicting information and the speed and accessibility of information from the Internet. Specifically, study participants highlighted the importance of culturally specific digital educational resources, tailored to their needs and level of understanding of CKD.
Discussion: Developing HL interventions, integrating aspects of digital HL for adults with CKD may provide one way to enhance self-management and improve health related outcomes, addressing healthcare disparities in this population.