Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Cancer Prevention Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

2 Department of Health Education and Promotion, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

3 Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Parents play a key role in the care, monitoring, management of symptoms
experienced in children with cancer, the support, and follow‑up of treatment. However, there is a
paucity of research as how to improve the health literacy of parents with cancer. The aim of this
study was to identify the best and most important strategies to promote health literacy in parents of
children with cancer.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A two‑step modified Delphi method was used to establish consensus
in Iran in 2021. Fourteen experts representing oncology, clinical nursing, and faculty members of
nursing were selected by purposive sampling. In round one, 90 strategies to promote health literacy
obtained in the qualitative study were distributed to the experts, which were scored from 1 to 5. In
order to discuss statements without consensus in the first round, round two was held in a face‑to‑face
meeting. Descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, and percentage of response
frequency were used to calculate agreement levels between experts.
RESULTS: In round one, 57 statements reached a consensus. In round two, 21 statements reached a
consensus. Finally, 78 statements reached consensus representing four domains including functional
health literacy, interactive health literacy, critical health literacy, and care health literacy.
CONCLUSION: Delphi method helps to identify the best and most important strategies to use in
health literacy promotion programs for parents of children with cancer. Identifying these strategies
will help health officials, planners, and policymakers.

Keywords

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