Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40756187›Full record

ArticleJournal of preventive medicine and hygiene2025

Network Analysis of the HLS

Sara Maria Pani, Stefania Matta, Matteo Fraschini, Claudia Sardu, Alessandra Mereu, Paolo Contu

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Journal of preventive medicine and hygiene, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Sara Maria PaniDepartment of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Monserrato (CA), Italy.
Stefania MattaDepartment of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Monserrato (CA), Italy.
Matteo FraschiniDepartment of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (DIEE), University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
Claudia SarduDepartment of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Monserrato (CA), Italy.
Alessandra MereuDepartment of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Monserrato (CA), Italy.
Paolo ContuDepartment of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Monserrato (CA), Italy.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background: The widespread use of the internet and social media has transformed how people access health information impacting health literacy. Health literacy, the ability to access, understand, and use health information, is crucial to promote and maintain good health. This study is the first exploring with network analysis the correlation and distribution of the items of the Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-Q) 12 short form to verify their correspondence to the principal domains of the health literacy conceptual model proposed by Sorensen et al. in 2013. Materials and Methods: A digital version of the Italian HLS19-Q12 questionnaire was distributed online through social media and informal channels in May 2024. The sample consisted of 352 participants from the metropolitan area of Cagliari, Italy. Network analysis was employed to examine the clustering and relationships between the questionnaire items, via JASP using the Ising Fit method. Results: Key findings include significant difficulties in accessing professional help and understanding medical emergencies. Network centrality measures highlighted the prominence of items related to understanding medical emergencies and making health decisions. Three clusters corresponding to healthcare, disease prevention, and health promotion, were visually identified with the last two closely interconnected. The item "making decisions to improve health" is crucial, acting as a bridge between clusters. Some items traditionally belonging to one domain shifted to another. Conclusions: The network analysis provided a clear depiction of health literacy as complex system, emphasizing interactions. Health literacy involves accessing, evaluating, and applying information, with empowerment playing a key role according to our findings. By addressing identified needs and focusing on prominent items, healthcare professionals and policymakers can enhance health literacy and improve health outcomes for individuals and communities. This pilot study's findings could benefit future research and interventions to improve health literacy.

Indexed as

Health LiteracyAdultAgedFemaleHumansItalyMaleMiddle AgedPilot ProjectsSocial MediaSurveys and QuestionnairesYoung AdultHealth literacyHealth Literacy Survey QuestionnaireHLS-Q12Network analysis

Identifiers

PMID40756187
PMCPMC12312712

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.