Abstract
Purpose :
While cultural and social barriers are recognized factors contributing to disparities in health information access and health literacy, there exists limited comprehensive data on their specific influence on the effectiveness of receiving health education. This cross-sectional observational study, conducted in San Antonio (SA), Texas, investigates disparities in race, ethnicity, and age to evaluate their implications for ocular health literacy.
Methods :
Forty-one residents of SA participated in the study and received health literacy services. Participant performance and demographic data were evaluated through a dual survey approach, comprising pre- and post-quantitative ocular health literacy surveys, and a qualitative demographic survey assessing race, ethnicity, and age. Quantitative data was normalized to a graded scale based on correct answers. Racial and ethnic categories were defined by the United States Census Bureau. Comparative analysis was performed with the paired t-Test to investigate the correlation between demographic cohorts and participant performance, reported in p-values, and effect size (Hedges' g).
Results :
In the study cohort, thirty-four participants disclosed their self-identified race, thirty-two disclosed their ethnicity, and thirty-two provided information about their age. Significant improvements in post-test performance were observed in those self-identifying as Asian (n=12, g=2.59, p=2.44E-06), White or Caucasian (n=12, g=1.67, p=3.48E-05), and Other (n=10, g=2.09, p=2.44E-05). Similar significant improvements were noted for those identifying as Hispanic or Latino (n=15, g=2.09, p=9.33E-07) and Not Hispanic or Latino (n=18, g=1.94, p=2.39E-08). Age-specific improvements were significant for individuals aged one to eighteen (n=9, g=2.63, p=4.24E-06), nineteen to twenty-nine (n=9, g=2.27, p=1.30E-04), and thirty to sixty-five (n=12, g=2.11, p=3.10E-06).
Conclusions :
Our findings indicate that within the categories of self-identified race, ethnicity, and age, there was significant improvement in post-survey recall of health information. The discernible variations in the levels of improvement across demographic groups underscore the need for further research that identifies the inherent social and cultural barriers that influence health information education.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.