Evaluating the role of health literacy on patients in Arab countries: a systematic review of post-COVID-19 insights

Abdullah Mohammad Alshammari; Mohamed Hassan Elnaem; Siew Chin Ong

doi:10.1080/09581596.2026.2659443

Evaluating the role of health literacy on patients in Arab countries: a systematic review of post-COVID-19 insights

Abdullah Mohammad Alshammari
, Mohamed Hassan Elnaem
, Siew Chin Ong

Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

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Abstract

Background: Health literacy the ability to obtain, understand, and use health information is a key determinant of health outcomes. In Arab countries, its significance has become more apparent during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: To systematically review the current state of health literacy among patients in Arab countries and examine implications for health outcomes and policy in the post-pandemic context. Methods: A systematic search of peer-reviewed cross-sectional studies published in English between 2020 and 2024 was conducted across seven databases. Eligible studies used validated health literacy tools among Arab populations. Study quality was appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist. (PROSPERO: CRD42023470145) Results: Nineteen studies met inclusion criteria. Findings showed a high prevalence of limited health literacy, influenced by age, gender, education, and socioeconomic status. Individuals with low health literacy struggled with understanding medical information, engaging in preventive behaviors, and navigating healthcare systems. Women and older adults were consistently identified as vulnerable groups. Educational interventions demonstrated positive impacts on health literacy levels across multiple settings. Conclusions: Substantial gaps in health literacy persist across Arab countries. Coordinated governmental, institutional, and community-based interventions are needed to improve patient engagement and reduce disparities in the post-COVID-19 era.

Original language	English
Article number	2659443
Pages (from-to)	1-15
Number of pages	15
Journal	Critical Public Health
Volume	36
Issue number	1
Early online date	19 Apr 2026
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1080/09581596.2026.2659443
Publication status	Published online - 19 Apr 2026

Bibliographical note

Data Availability Statement

The data and materials supporting the results or analyses presented in this paper are available upon reasonable request. Requests for data should be directed to Alshammari Abdullah at [email protected]. We adhere to the Taylor & Francis share upon reasonable request policy, as outlined in their guidelines (https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/data-sharing-policies/share-upon-reasonable-request/).

Funding

In the absence of external sponsorship or funding, we declare that no financial support was received for the preparation of this article.

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Keywords

Arab countries
COVID-19
Health literacy
health promotion
patient outcomes

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10.1080/09581596.2026.2659443

Evaluating the role of health literacy on patients in Arab countries a systematic review of post-COVID-19 insightsFinal published version, 1.63 MBLicence: CC BY

Cite this

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abstract = "Background: Health literacy the ability to obtain, understand, and use health information is a key determinant of health outcomes. In Arab countries, its significance has become more apparent during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: To systematically review the current state of health literacy among patients in Arab countries and examine implications for health outcomes and policy in the post-pandemic context. Methods: A systematic search of peer-reviewed cross-sectional studies published in English between 2020 and 2024 was conducted across seven databases. Eligible studies used validated health literacy tools among Arab populations. Study quality was appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist. (PROSPERO: CRD42023470145) Results: Nineteen studies met inclusion criteria. Findings showed a high prevalence of limited health literacy, influenced by age, gender, education, and socioeconomic status. Individuals with low health literacy struggled with understanding medical information, engaging in preventive behaviors, and navigating healthcare systems. Women and older adults were consistently identified as vulnerable groups. Educational interventions demonstrated positive impacts on health literacy levels across multiple settings. Conclusions: Substantial gaps in health literacy persist across Arab countries. Coordinated governmental, institutional, and community-based interventions are needed to improve patient engagement and reduce disparities in the post-COVID-19 era.",

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Evaluating the role of health literacy on patients in Arab countries: a systematic review of post-COVID-19 insights

Abstract

Bibliographical note

Data Availability Statement

Funding

UN SDGs

Keywords

Access to Document

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