WTP1.5 The Effect of Health Literacy and Socio-Economic Deprivation on Outcomes After Lower Limb Revascularisation for Chronic Limb Threatening Ischaemia - The HeaLTHI Study

Abstract

Abstract Aims Health literacy is the ability to obtain, process and understand health-information needed to make health-related decisions. Research has suggested a relationship between health literacy, socio-economic status, and health-related outcomes. This study aimed to assess how health literacy and socio-economic status interact for patients undergoing bypass surgery for chronic limb threatening ischaemia (CLTI). Methods Patients with CLTI undergoing lower limb surgical bypass graft operations were included in a cross-sectional observational study. The HLS19-Q12 questionnaire categorised participant’s Health Literacy as inadequate, problematic, sufficient, or excellent. Socio-economic status was assess using the Index of Multiple Deprivation. Primary outcomes were major adverse cardiovascular and limb events. Results Fifty patients (mean age±SD: 70±8.7 years) were included. Participant’s health literacy was inadequate (28%), problematic (38%), sufficient (24%) and excellent (10%). 40% lived in areas of highest deprivation. All health literacy groups were comparable for post-operative outcomes, but poorer health literacy was associated with a lower socio-economic status (r = 0.308 (P = 0.029)) which was also a significant predictor for amputation (P = 0.017). Conclusions This study suggests that a lower health literacy is associated with greater social deprivation which in turn maybe a predictor for amputation following bypass surgery. Health Literacy is a potentially modifiable factor and improving it could have a mediating role in health inequalities created by social deprivation, addressing a vascular James-Lind Alliance priority.