Relationship between Health Promotion Programs and Patient Health Literacy at Nyeri County Teaching and Referral Hospital
Keywords:
Community outreach; health literacy; health promotion programs; Nyeri County Teaching and Referral Hospital; patient-centered care; patient educationAbstract
Health literacy is a key determinant of patient outcomes because it influences individuals' ability to obtain, understand,
evaluate, and use health information for appropriate decision-making. This study examined the relationship between health
promotion programs and patient health literacy at Nyeri County Teaching and Referral Hospital. A single-site case study
design using a mixed-methods approach was adopted. The target population comprised 495 healthcare professionals, from
whom a stratified sample of 222 was selected; 216 questionnaires were correctly completed and returned, representing a
response rate of 97.3%. Quantitative data were collected through structured Likert-scale questionnaires and analyzed using
descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation. Qualitative data were obtained from 15 key informant interviews involving 13
community health workers, one hospital administrator, and one county health director, and were analyzed thematically.
Findings showed positive ratings for patient education workshops (M = 4.12, SD = 0.85), health information kiosks (M =
4.00, SD = 0.92), community outreach (M = 4.08, SD = 0.83), coaching sessions (M = 4.03, SD = 0.87), and maternal and
child health education (M = 4.05, SD = 0.84). Patient health literacy outcomes were also rated positively, especially treatment
adherence (M = 4.08, SD = 0.85) and disease management confidence (M = 4.06, SD = 0.87). Pearson correlation revealed
a positive and statistically significant relationship between health promotion programs and patient health literacy (r = 0.62,
p < .05). Qualitative findings indicated that workshops, simplified materials, local-language communication, home visits,
and follow-up coaching supported patient understanding and behavior change. The study concludes that structured,
accessible, and patient-centered health promotion programs are positively associated with patient health literacy. It
recommends strengthening interactive patient education, simplifying and translating health information, expanding
community outreach and follow-up coaching, and providing adequate institutional resources for health promotion.
Keywords: Community outreach; health literacy; health promotion programs; Nyeri County Teaching and Referral
Hospital; patient-centered care; patient education
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