Assessment of health literacy among migrant populations in Southern Spain

This repository contains the anonymized dataset (e.g., SPSS .sav) used in the article Assessment of health literacy among migrant populations in Southern Spain: A cross-sectional study (Nursing Open, 2023), DOI: 10.1002/nop2.1520.The study measures health literacy in migrant populations living in Campo de Gibraltar (Cádiz, Southern Spain) and identifies a sociodemographic profile associated with a higher risk of limited HL.Study design, setting, and participants: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using a non-probabilistic convenience sample of 278 economic migrants residing in Spain (age >16 years).Participants were mainly recruited through key informants and migrant-support organizations (e.g., Andalucía Acoge, Red Cross, White Cross, ESMAR, Prolibertas Foundation, Cepaim, AMBAE).Data collection: Surveys were administered individually or in small groups at the headquarters of the participating associations. Questionnaires were available in multiple languages in paper format; in a small number of cases, cultural mediators/key informants read the survey aloud for participants who could not read.The dataset includes:Sociodemographic and social variables: sex, age, nationality/region of origin, length of stay in Spain, marital status, number of children, education level, health sciences education, employment status, monthly income, difficulties paying bills/medication, and barriers accessing the health system.Health Literacy (HLS-EU-Q16): 16 items assessing perceived difficulty in accessing, understanding, appraising, and applying health information across health care, disease prevention, and health promotion domains. Items are rated on a 4-point scale (“very difficult” to “very easy”) plus “don’t know/no answer”. Scoring: “very difficult/difficult” = 0; “easy/very easy” = 1. Total score ranges 0–16, computed for respondents answering ≥14 items. HL levels are categorized as inadequate (0–8), problematic (9–12), and sufficient (13–16).Statistical analysis: Analyses were performed in SPSS (v22.0), using descriptive statistics and inferential methods including t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlations, and multivariate linear regression (p < .05).Ethical and legal considerations: The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Participants were informed about the study aim, anonymity, and voluntary participation; informed consent was obtained, and participants were told data would be used for research purposes only.