Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: Background: As part of the research project ‘Seigungo–Gungo’s Health, Education, and Maternal and Child Quality of Life: An Action-Research Project’, a study was conducted in the Gungo community in Angola, a region facing significant challenges in terms of access to healthcare and health literacy. The primary aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention training model designed to improve the health literacy of the participants. Methods: The sample consisted of 30 trainees, 60% of whom were male, with an average age of 45.6 years. Most participants were single (53.3%) and had completed 6 years of formal education (26.7%). Health literacy levels were assessed using the HLS-EU-PT-Q16, a short 16-item questionnaire designed to assess three key domains: healthcare, disease prevention, and health promotion. These domains are related to the focus of the training programme. Data collection took place throughout the year 2024. Results: According to the data obtained, prior to attending the training program, 60% of the participants demonstrated an inadequate level of health literacy. Following the intervention, this percentage dropped significantly to 20%. In contrast, the proportion of participants with sufficient to excellent health literacy rose from 16.7% to approximately 40%. The results indicate that the training program had a positive and statistically significant impact on improving health literacy in the Gungo community. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of targeted training and sustained intervention efforts to address the specific health education needs currently affecting this community.
Authors: Manuela Ferreira, Eduardo Santos, Joana Andrade, Inês Figueiredo, Vitor Martins, Sofia Campos
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,016
OpenAlex ID: W4413824724