The Relationship between Breast Cancer Literacy and (e) Health Literacy among Urban Women in Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu
J. Shabana Yasmin *
School of Public Health, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: To assess the relationship between Breast Cancer Literacy and (e)Health Literacy among urban women in Ariyalur town, Tamil Nadu.
Study Design: Community-based cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: Ariyalur town, Tamil Nadu, India, during May 2023.
Methodology: The study included 370 women aged 25–65 years selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected using one semi-structured questionnaire and three standardized tools: Breast Cancer Literacy Assessment Tool (BCLAT), e-Health Literacy Scale (eHEALS), and All Aspects of Health Literacy Scale (AAHLS). Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize sociodemographic characteristics and literacy levels. Chi-square test and Pearson correlation were used to assess associations. Statistical significance was considered at P < .05.
Results: The mean age of participants was 38.35 ± 10.88 years. Low Breast Cancer Literacy was observed in 25.9% of women, moderate in 56.8%, and high in 17.3%. Zero Health Literacy was found in 3.0% of participants, while 17.9% of internet users had zero e-Health Literacy. A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between Breast Cancer Literacy and e-Health Literacy (r = .149, P = .004) and between Breast Cancer Literacy and Health Literacy (r = .148, P = .004). Education status (P = .001), employment status (P = .001), and family history of breast cancer (P = .036) were significantly associated with Breast Cancer Literacy.
Conclusion: There is a significant positive relationship between Breast Cancer Literacy and (e)Health Literacy among urban women. Although the strength of association is weak, improving (e)Health Literacy may contribute to enhanced Breast Cancer Literacy and better screening and prevention practices.
Keywords: Breast cancer literacy, e-Health literacy, health literacy, Urban women, Ariyalur, cross-sectional study, Tamil Nadu