Health literacy research on the island of Ireland: a systematic review.

Abstract

Consistently, low health literacy has been found to lead to poorer health outcomes, both internationally, and in Ireland. Given this knowledge, there is a need to understand key thematic trends, methodological approaches and evidence gaps in policy and practice. Seven electronic databases (Science Direct, MEDLINE, CINAHL Complete, Web of Science, Scopus, PsychoINFO, and SPORTDiscus) were searched between October and December 2023 focusing on studies published in English between 2013 and 2023. Initial peer reviewed records (N  = 551) were screened resulting in 37 studies included in this review. Narrative analysis indicated that across the island of Ireland many studies had narrow populations of focus (e.g. Dublin based, adults, chronic illness populations), limited research design and methodologies (e.g. cross-sectional, narrative, and primary research with short time frames), and lacked rigorous monitoring and evaluation of health literacy as a primary or secondary outcome. Future health literacy research in Ireland should consider: (i) contextual and sociodemographic factors (age, sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic status) when aiming to improve health literacy in different populations, (ii) exploring health literacy beyond the clinical domain, (iii) advocating for sustainability of effective programmes, and (iv) rigorous, longitudinal evaluation of health literacy. Quality research in these areas will support the meaningful and sustainable development of health literacy in Ireland, with findings that can be transferred internationally.