Table 2.
Socio‐demographic characteristics of lower and higher literacy participants (n = 33)
| Variable | All (n = 33) | Lower literacy group (n = 17) | Higher literacy group (n = 16) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age (in years) | |||
| 45–54 | 8 | 5 | 3 |
| 55–64 | 21 | 12 | 9 |
| 65–74 | 4 | 4 | |
| Gender | |||
| Male | 14 | 9 | 5 |
| Female | 19 | 8 | 11 |
| Country of origin | |||
| Anglo Australian/ New Zealand | 22 | 9 | 13 |
| UK | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| Europe (Spain, Italy) | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| South America | 4 | 4 | |
| English speaking background | |||
| Yes | 26 | 10 | 16 |
| No | 7 | 7 | |
| Age at leaving full time education | |||
| 10–14 | 7 | 7 | |
| 15–19 | 8 | 8 | |
| >20 | 16 | 16 | |
| Did not attend formal schooling | 2 | 2 | |
| Educational status (qualifications) | |||
| No formal qualification | 16 | 16 | |
| Leaving certificate/High | 1 | 1 | |
| School certificate or equivalent | |||
| University degree or equivalent | 16 | 16 | |
| Working status | |||
| Working full or part time | 10 | 4 | 6 |
| Unemployed | 8 | 8 | |
| Retired | 14 | 4 | 10 |
| Other | 1 | 1 | |