In line with the objectives of the International Network on Health Literacy initiative and the Age-It program, the PROMETEO project intends to extend the analysis of health literacy in Italy in the regional context of Puglia through the implementation of a cross-sectional clinical study. With reference to the population over 65 years old afferent to territorial and hospital health services in the Apulian provinces, the PROMETEO project aims to analyze the level of health literacy in general and with reference to communication with physicians in the context of health services. It will also analyze the main sources used to acquire information about managing one's own health and compare the effectiveness of different dissemination strategies of the results obtained.
October 2024 – January 2025
In the first Progress Report of the PROMETEO – Health Literacy in the Ageing Population project, the activities of WP1 were completed, aimed at clarifying the need for ethical approval for the planned observational study. After analysing the AIFA Guidelines (08/08/2024), comparing with previous similar studies and direct dialogue with the Local Ethics Committee of Bari, it was confirmed that the anonymous health literacy survey does not require formal ethical approval. This allowed WP1 to be 100% completed by 31/01/2025 (Milestone M1). During the reporting period, WP2 also began, with the selection of the HLS19-Q12 tool (short version validated to measure health literacy), authorisation for its use obtained from M-POHL, and the start of the digitisation of the questionnaire for future online administration to the over-65 population residing in Puglia. Coordination meetings were also held, including the kick-off meeting on 29/10/2024 (University of Florence). The next phases will involve the start of data collection (M2) and dissemination activities (M3). No critical issues or significant project changes have emerged; activities are proceeding in line with the schedule.