Predictors of Health Literacy among Caregivers of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Family-Centred Empowerment Approach

Abstract

Abstract With regards to the importance of multiple sclerosis (MS) and the sufferers’ caregivers, and also by focusing on the importance of identifying factors influencing health literacy based on theoretical principles, it is necessary to detect the most effective factors involved in forming these direct or indirect effects. This study aimed to determine the relationship between health literacy and self-efficacy, and knowledge among caregivers of individuals with MS in Iran. One hundred and twenty caregivers of individuals with MS participated in this cross-sectional study. Data were collected through TOFHLA health literacy. Data were analysed using SPSS with independent t-tests, Pearson correlation and linear regression. More than 80 per cent of the participants had border and insufficient health literacy. Statistically, there was a significant relationship between health literacy level and self-efficacy, income source, economic situation and education. The results showed that for every 1 score increase in knowledge, self-efficacy, self-esteem and health literacy increased by 2.17, 0.62 and 2.71, respectively. Considering that there is a significant relationship between health literacy, self-efficacy and the knowledge of caregivers of people with MS, which plays a role in caring for patients, effective strategies should be developed in order to promote health literacy and consequently, the individuals' self-efficacy.