Studies show that high health literacy (HL) can support the promotion and maintenance of healthy behavior such as physical activity (PA). However, most studies rely on subjective data. The aim of the present study is to investigate the relationship between HL and PA, not only with subjectively but also with objectively measured PA data. The present study is a pooled analysis of baseline data from the research association TRISEARCH (2015–2018), which focused on the HL of working adults. HL was measured by Lenartz’ questionnaire, and PA by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ; n = 1056). A subsample (n = 124) also received accelerometers (Actigraph GT3X+) to provide more objective PA data. Partial correlations and regression models were used to investigate the relationship between HL and questionnaire- and accelerometer-derived PA. Very low and medium partial correlations could be found for HL subscales and daily PA by questionnaire (r = −0.06, p < 0.05) and accelerometer (r = 0.26, p < 0.01). No subscale of HL made a significant contribution to the amount of daily PA (all p > 0.05). Not all subscales of HL seem to have an influence on the occurrence of healthy behavior, such as PA. This should be considered when HL-based interventions are designed. Further investigation of the relationship between HL and PA is needed. Objective assessments of both HL and PA can provide additional information for this task.

Background: The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) is applied internationally as a tool to assess the level of physical activity. The GPAQ was designed as an interview, including the use of show cards, which visualise activities of moderate and intensive physical activity and support the distinction between these intensities. The self-administered version of the GPAQ is used in the application-oriented research for reasons of economy and practicality. However, the use of show cards often remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to examine differences in validity between two self-administered versions of the GPAQ with and without show cards. Methods: In this crossover study, two groups (n = 54; 57.4% female; 28.3 ± 12.2 years) received the GPAQ with or without show cards after 7 days and the respective other version after additional 7 days. For validation, all participants wore an accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X+) on all 14 days. Differences between GPAQ versions and accelerometer data were compared by Wilcoxon signed rank test. Additionally, Spearman analyses and Bland-Altman plots were calculated. Results: No statistically significant difference between the GPAQ versions could be found in regard to the accuracy of physical activity assessment (p > 0.05). Both GPAQ versions show similar correlation coefficients for vigorous physical activity (rho = 0.31–0.42) and sedentary behaviour (rho = 0.29–0.32). No statistically significant correlation was found for physical activity of moderate intensity. The Bland-Altman plots support these results, as both GPAQ versions have the same trends in terms of overestimation and underestimation of physical activity. Conclusion: The use of show cards had no significant impact on questionnaire validity. Therefore, both GPAQ versions can be applied interchangeably. Nevertheless the exact description of application of the GPAQ is desirable in terms of reproducibility and transparent scientific research.

Summary: Young adults have a high societal relevance but are still an under-represented target group in health promotion. Health literacy is widely acknowledged as one of the strongest predictors and key determinant of health, so its influence on work ability is of great interest. The purpose of the study was to examine the associations between health-related skills and work ability within the structural model of health literacy of Lenartz, Soellner and colleagues, which explains health behaviour and health through the indirect and direct influence of six ‘advanced skills’ (‘self-perception’, ‘proactive approach to health’, ‘dealing with health information’, ‘self-control’, ‘self-regulation’ and ‘communication and cooperation’). The cross-sectional study was based on baseline data of a health literacy promotion intervention (495 vocational school students, 59.0% female, age span 18–25 years). Structural equation modelling with partial least squares was used to examine the associations between the six constructs of the model and the Work Ability Index (WAI). Mean WAI score was 39.7 ± 4.5 (51.1% categorized ‘moderate’/‘poor’). Five out of six constructs of the model showed a statistically significant indirect or direct effect, respectively, on work ability. The model explained 24.8% of the WAI score variance. Our findings show associations between the health literacy model and the work ability among young employees. In view of demographic change, it is crucial to develop and analyse target group-specific health literacy interventions. The model offers new facets in the modelling of health literacy.

Against the background of an ageing population, the target group of young adults holds strong societal relevance as the future workforce. At the same time, young adults find themselves in a critical phase of life regarding the manifestation of a healthy lifestyle. In this context, young adults’ health literacy gains importance. Web-based interventions implemented in educational settings offer the potential for promoting health literacy, although longitudinal studies remain scarce. Within a pre–post cluster randomized controlled trial with 6-month follow-up, this study investigated whether an 8-week web-based intervention in vocational schools (with or without an additional initial face-to-face measure) improves individual competencies within a structural model of health literacy (‘self-perception’, ‘proactive approach to health’, ‘dealing with health information’, ‘self-control’, ‘self-regulation’ and ‘communication and cooperation’). The control condition was regular school lessons following the curriculum only. A multi-level regression analysis was performed using the control group as reference. None of the interventions showed a significant improvement in any of the dimensions. Significant differences between the intervention and control were obtained for some dimensions, albeit showing reductions. Future research must examine how to build impactful health literacy promotion in educational settings. Investigations into linking digital and face-to-face measures should continue.

Engagement with web-based interventions is both generally low and typically declining. Visits and revisits remain a challenge. Based on log data of a web-based cluster randomized controlled trial conducted in vocational schools, the present secondary analysis aimed to identify influencing factors on initially logging in to a health promotion platform among young adults and to examine the engagement over the course of an eight-week intervention. Data of 336 students (62.2% female, age span 18–25) from two intervention arms (web-based intervention and web-based intervention with an additional initial face-to-face contact) was included. Binary logistic regression and log-data visualization were performed. An additional initial face-to-face contact (odds ratio (OR) = 2.971, p = 0.005), female sex (OR = 2.237, p = 0.046) and the health-related skill “dealing with health information” (OR = 2.179, p = 0.030) significantly increased the likelihood of initially logging in. Other variables showed no influence. 16.6% of all potential users logged in at least once, of which 57.4% revisited the platform. Most logins were tracked at the beginning of the intervention and repeated engagement was low. To increase the engagement with web-based interventions, health-related skills should be fostered. In addition, a strategy could be to interlink comparable interventions in vocational schools more regularly with everyday teaching through multi-component interventions.

Cross-company networking and counseling is considered to be a promising approach for workplace health promotion in small and medium-sized enterprises. However, a systematic and empirical approach on how such networks can be developed is lacking. The aims of the present paper are to describe the approach of a social network analysis supporting the development of a cross-company network promoting physical activity and to present first results. In the process of developing the methodological approach, a common understanding of the nodes and edges within the project was elaborated. Based on the BIG-model as the theoretical framework of the project, five measuring points and an application-oriented data collection table were determined. Using Gephi, network size, degree, and distance measures, as well as density and clustering measures, were calculated and visualized in the course of the time. First results showed a continuous expansion and densification of the network. The application experience showed that the application of social network analysis in practical cross-company network development is promising but currently still very resource intensive. In order to address the current major challenges and enable routine application, the development of an application-oriented and feasible tool could make an essential contribution.