Does socioeconomic status impact on parental health literacy and child health outcomes? A systematic review of the literature

Abstract

Background: The UK National reading age is nine years old; research tells us that one in four adults in the UK do not understand heath information given to them by health professionals. With deprivation at its highest in recent years and health disparities widening for those of lower socioeconomic status, the purpose of this study was to understand the impact socioeconomic status has on parental health literacy and child health outcomes. 

Methods: The review question was formulated using a PICo framework for qualitative research. The population, phenomena of interest, and context were identified through initial scoping searches to better understand the key factors influencing how socioeconomic status affects parental health literacy and child health outcomes. A systematic review of the literature was then undertaken to identify qualitative research within this topic area. 

Results: Online database searches of CINAHL and MEDLINE identified 289 articles after removing duplicates. Upon screening titles and abstracts, 271 articles were excluded for not meeting the inclusion criteria. Full texts of the remaining 18 articles were obtained and assessed for eligibility, leading to the exclusion of 14 articles that did not meet the criteria. Finally, four articles were retained for analysis. From the papers selected, four clear themes emerged and were explored in detail within the review. 

Conclusion: The review provides a comprehensive analysis of the significant disparities in healthcare access and utilisation driven by socioeconomic status and health literacy. The evidence consistently shows that parents with low socioeconomic status face substantial barriers to accessing healthcare. This can lead to misuse of services, delayed presentation or care, and poorer health outcomes for their children. In contrast parents with higher socioeconomic status are more likely to be able to navigate the healthcare system and manage their health more effectively, often accessing services to their advantage.