Abstract
Objective: The newest vital sign assesses individual reading and numeracy skills. The aim of this study was to create a Dutch version (NVS-D) and to assess its feasibility, reliability, and validity in The Netherlands.
Methods: We performed a qualitative study among experts (n = 27) and patients (n = 30) to develop the NVS-D and to assess its feasibility. For validation, we conducted a quantitative survey (n = 329).
Reliability was assessed by Cronbach’s alpha. Construct validity was examined by analyzing association patterns. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves determined optimal cut-off scores.
Results: Cronbach’s alpha was 0.76. In accordance with a priori hypotheses we found strong associations between NVS-D, general vocabulary, prose literacy and objective health literacy, and weaker associations between NVS-D and subjective health literacy. A score of 4 out of 6 best distinguished individuals with adequate versus inadequate health literacy.
Conclusion: The results suggest that the NVS-D is a reliable and valid tool that allows international comparable health literacy research in The Netherlands.
Practice implications: The NVS-D can be applied in research on the role of health literacy in health and health care, and the development of interventions. The methods can be applied in cross-cultural
adaptation of health literacy measures in other countries.
Methods: We performed a qualitative study among experts (n = 27) and patients (n = 30) to develop the NVS-D and to assess its feasibility. For validation, we conducted a quantitative survey (n = 329).
Reliability was assessed by Cronbach’s alpha. Construct validity was examined by analyzing association patterns. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves determined optimal cut-off scores.
Results: Cronbach’s alpha was 0.76. In accordance with a priori hypotheses we found strong associations between NVS-D, general vocabulary, prose literacy and objective health literacy, and weaker associations between NVS-D and subjective health literacy. A score of 4 out of 6 best distinguished individuals with adequate versus inadequate health literacy.
Conclusion: The results suggest that the NVS-D is a reliable and valid tool that allows international comparable health literacy research in The Netherlands.
Practice implications: The NVS-D can be applied in research on the role of health literacy in health and health care, and the development of interventions. The methods can be applied in cross-cultural
adaptation of health literacy measures in other countries.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 403-409 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | Patient Education and Counseling |
| Volume | 97 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 26 Aug 2014 |
Keywords
- Health literacy
- Measurement
- Newest vital sign
- Validation
- Cross-cultural adaptation