Influence of Maternal Health Literacy on Child, Case Study Example

Introduction

Pati et al. (2010) conducted a study that examined the potential relationship between the overall levelof maternal literacy (independent variable) on the impact of participation in child welfare programs (dependent variable). In order to study this potential relationship, the researchers used a prospective, longitudinal cohort study of Medicaid- eligible mothers and infants.  The authors’ sample consisted of 744 participants without major demographic differences at baseline.  The authors used chi-square statistical analysis in order to analyze the data.  Overall, the study found that mothers with poor health literacy were significantly less likely to receive child assistance than mothers with higher levels of literacy (Pati, Mohamad, Cnaan, Kavanagh, &Shea, 2010).

Potential Confounding Factors

There are a number of variables that could complicate the putative linear relationship between maternal health literacy and child participation in welfare programs. One potential variable might be geographical location.  That is, there might be a difference between mothers who live in urban or rural areas. There are many potential sub-confounding factors related to geography including adequate access to food stores or transportation to access certain services.  Another potential confounding variable might be marital or relationship status. That is, perhaps some mothers do not sign up for benefits not because they are unable to read, but because the husband or boyfriend does not want to receive benefits.  A third and potential final reason may be due to religious or other ideological beliefs that the mother holds. That is, some may hold religious or political beliefs that convince the mother she shouldn’t apply for benefits.  All these confounding variables have a similar analytical thread: they propose different reasons why mothers may not apply for benefits that are not related to literacy levels.

References

Pati, S., Mohamad, Z., Cnaan, A., Kavanagh, J., & Shea, J.. (2010). Influence of Maternal Health Literacy on Child Participation in Social Welfare Programs: The Philadelphia Experience. American Journal of Public Health, 100(9), 1662-5.  Retrieved February 1, 2011 from Proquest.