Evaluation of Statistical Literacy among the Staff of Health Deputy in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

Introduction: Regarding the significance of statistics in policy and decision making in health care system, the capability to read, understand, and interpret statistics and data is considered very important. Hence, this investigation aims at determining the statistical literacy of staff working in health deputy of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 545 employees of health deputy in year 2012 using census. Data were collected via a researcher made questionnaire in which some part of Shield’s questionnaire (different aspects of statistical literacy such as reading, interpreting graphs and understanding tables) were utilized after confirmation of reliability and validity. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The mean age of respondents was 36.2±7.2 years old. The statistical literacy scores were 41.6±19.08 for female staff and 46.3±16.4 for male staff out of a hundred. There were significant relationships between scores of statistical literacy and gender of respondents, English language skills, level of education, field of study, credits of statistics courses passed in university, study hours, and the extent of interest in job field (P <0.05). Conclusion: Participants’ mean score indicates low level of statistical literacy among staff. As a result, the organization should execute effective workshops to promote statistical literacy and compensate for the gap between statistical topics and techniques that are previously taught through education years and what is currently necessary to know at work.