Prevalence, Sociodemographic and Clinical Determinants of Readiness for Enhanced Health Literacy Among Unaccompanied Adolescent Male Migrants

BACKGROUND: Migration to Europe has surged due to recent crises, creating healthcare challenges for Unaccompanied Foreign Minors (UAFMs). The Balkan corridor, with Italy as a key entry point, highlights barriers like language and cultural differences that hinder healthcare access. METHODS: This study assessed the prevalence of "Readiness for Enhanced Health Literacy" (REHL) NANDA-I nursing diagnosis (code 00262) among 185 male UAFMs and explored its defining characteristics and predictors. RESULTS: A 36.8% prevalence of REHL was found, with higher rates among individuals from Kosovo and those with English proficiency. Specific defining characteristics, such as the desire to understand local customs for healthcare decisions, demonstrated the highest diagnostic accuracy. The analysis indicated that cultural background and language skills significantly influence HL readiness among UAFMs. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses must adopt culturally sensitive approaches and consider the unique needs of UAFMs when delivering healthcare. This involves enhancing their readiness for health literacy through customized interventions, thereby improving overall health outcomes for this vulnerable population. Culturally tailored healthcare is essential to improve HL among UAFMs. Nurses play a key role in addressing these needs, emphasizing the importance of targeted strategies and further research.