Poor health and refraining from seeking healthcare are associated with limited comprehensive health literacy among refugees : a Swedish cross-sectional study

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to explore the distributions of comprehensive health literacy (CHL), general health, psychological well-being and having refrained from seeking healthcare among refugees in Sweden. Further objectives were to examine associations between CHL and the above mentioned factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 513 refugees speaking Arabic, Dari and Somali. Participants in the civic orientation course in Sweden responded to a questionnaire. CHL was measured using the HLS-EU-Q16 questionnaire. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression was used to investigate potential associations. Results: The majority of the respondents had limited CHL, and about four of ten had reported poor health and/or having refrained from seeking healthcare. Limited CHL was associated with having reported poor health and having refrained from seeking healthcare. Conclusions: A considerable proportion of the refugees in Sweden have limited CHL, and report less than good health and impaired well-being, or that they have refrained from seeking healthcare. Further, CHL is associated with the above mentioned factors. Efforts are needed to promote refugees' CHL, optimal health seeking behavior, and health.The study was co-financed by the County Administrative Board in Stockholm.