Health Literacy Levels Of Patients Research Articles

Association Between Health Information Seeking Behaviour And Health Literacy Among People With Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-sectional Study

This paper investigated the association between health information-seeking behaviour and health literacy among type 2 diabetes patients in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan. This cross-sectional study involved 999 patients with type 2 diabetes who were recruited by nurses at outpatient primary health care clinics in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan with multi-stage random sampling to answer a validated Health Information Seeking Behavior Self-administered Questionnaire (SAQ). Besides descriptive analysis and correlation, one-way ANOVA and independent sample t-tests were conducted using IBM SPSS version 26. The result showed the most preferred sources of health information among the participants were doctors, followed by family members and friends. Most of them were looking for information on diabetes complications (92.1%), balanced diet (91.9%), and prevention of diabetes complications (91.8%). In terms of obstacles in accessing health information related to diabetes, some of them reported poor internet proficiency (48.4%) and difficulty in understanding complex medical terms (25.8%) or foreign language (16.3%). The primary motivations for seeking health information were to ensure proper management and control of their condition (81.4%) and to gain a better understanding of diabetes management (80.7%). Malay and female patients were more active in seeking information. Newly diagnosed patients within 1-5 years were more active in seeking information than those with diabetes for more than ten years. In conclusion, the relationship between health information-seeking behaviour and health literacy is crucial for maintaining and improving overall health, especially among type 2 diabetes patients. Enhancing health information-seeking activities among the target population can elevate the health literacy level of patients.

Health literacy levels of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a cross-sectional study.

Health literacy is defined as an individual's ability to access, understand and use information to make informed decisions. This study aimed to assess health literacy levels and explore the relationship between health literacy and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) severity. A cross-sectional study of health literacy in patients with COPD used the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) and the Medical Research Council Breathlessness Scale to assess COPD severity. HLQ domains of 'having sufficient information to manage my health', 'actively managing health', and 'understanding health information' scored most highly. Patients with the greatest COPD severity had lower scores in the domain 'having sufficient information to manage my health', but indicated an improved ability to appraise health information. Patients with increased COPD severity have greater self-reported skills in appraising health information, but they report reduced confidence in having sufficient information to manage their health. This study highlights the importance of considering health literacy levels, as this could be a barrier to successful self-management.

Health Literacy Level of Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy: An Observational Descriptive Cross Sectional Study

Health Literacy Level of Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy: An Observational Descriptive Cross Sectional Study

Health Literacy Level of Patients Applying to Chest Diseases Outpatient Clinic and Related Factors: The Case of A Selected Training and Research Hospital

Health literacy is an important skill and capacity that affects individuals' ability to make decisions about their health and manage their health. It is associated with low health literacy, unnecessary outpatient clinic visits, high health expenditures, late diagnosis, and risky health behaviors. This research was conducted with 373 patients who applied to the Chest Diseases outpatient clinic of a training and research hospital in Istanbul. 20.4% (n=76) of the participants had low health literacy and 49.9% (n=186) had middle health literacy. According to the gender of the patients, while there was no significant difference in access to treatment health services, total score and self-efficacy subscale dimensions, the median of the health promotion subscale dimension was higher in women than in men and was found to be statistically significant. Statistically significant differences were found in access to treatment health services, health protection development, total score and self-efficacy subscale dimensions according to the educational status of the patients. Statistically significant differences were found in access to therapeutic health services, health promotion, total score and self-efficacy subscale dimensions according to the occupation of the patients. Health literacy level was found to be low in one out of every four patients. Gender, educational status and occupation were found to be effective on health literacy level.

Health literacy in patients with gout: A latent profile analysis

Objectives Understanding the health literacy status of patients with gout diagnosis is essential for improving the health of this population. Our study aimed to investigate the latent profiles of health literacy in patients with gout and to analyze differences in characteristics across potential profiles. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. Eligible participants attended the Shandong Gout Medical Center, from March 2023 to May 2023 and self-reported gout diagnosis. We used the Health Literacy Scale for Patients with Gout designed and validated by our team. The scale had good reliability and validity among patients with gout. 243 patients completed the Demographic Information Questionnaire and the Health Literacy Scale for Patients with Gout. We used latent profile analysis to identify the latent profiles of gout patients’ health literacy. We used Chi-square tests with Bonferroni correction to analyze differences in demographics and illness characteristics across identified profiles. Results Three profiles of patients with gout emerged (prevalence): the low literacy-low critical group (21.81%), the moderate literacy group (42.79%), and the high literacy-stable group (35.39%). The three groups differed in age, education level, monthly income, disease duration, and place of residence (P<0.01). Conclusions The health literacy of patients with gout was heterogeneous. Healthcare professionals should adopt targeted interventions based on the characteristics of each latent health literacy profile to improve the health literacy level of patients with gout.

Influencing factors of hospitalization cost of hypertension patients in traditional Chinese medicine hospitals.

This study aimed to analyze the influencing factors of hospitalization cost of hypertensive patients in TCM (traditional Chinese medicine, TCM) hospitals, which can provide a scientific basis for hospitals to control the hospitalization cost of hypertension. In this study, 3,595 hospitalized patients with a primary diagnosis of tertiary hypertension in Tianshui City Hospital of TCM, Gansu Province, China, from January 2017 to June 2022, were used as research subjects. Using univariate analysis to identify the relevant variables of hospitalization cost, followed by incorporating the statistically significant variables of univariate analysis as independent variables in multiple linear regression analysis, and establishing the path model based on the results of the multiple linear regression finally, to explore the factors influencing hospitalization cost comprehensively. The results showed that hospitalization cost of hypertension patients were mainly influenced by length of stay, age, admission pathways, payment methods of medical insurance, and visit times, with length of stay being the most critical factor. The Chinese government should actively exert the characteristics and advantages of TCM in the treatment of chronic diseases such as hypertension, consistently optimize the treatment plans of TCM, effectively reduce the length of stay and steadily improve the health literacy level of patients, to alleviate the illnesses pain and reduce the economic burden of patients.

The effect of health literacy on early postoperative recovery of patients undergoing outpatient surgery.

The measurement of the health literacy level of patients undergoing outpatient surgery has become a major challenge in perioperative nursing of outpatient surgery. To analyze the effect of health literacy on early postoperative recovery of patients undergoing outpatient surgery by developing a health literacy assessment tool for this population. A scale for the assessment of health literacy was established based on Nutbeam's health literacy model. From April to September 2021, 264 patients were selected in the daytime operating rooms of six Class A tertiary hospitals in Kunming, Yunnan Province to investigate health literacy and early postoperative rehabilitation quality, and the influencing factors of the two variables were analyzed. An assessment scale of health literacy of patients undergoing outpatient surgery was developed, including 3 dimensions and 24 items. The Cronbach's α coefficient of the total scale was 0.944, the split-half reliability was 0.902, and the content validity was 0.920. Exploratory factor analysis showed that the cumulative variance contribution rate was 66.37%, and the scale had good structural validity. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that age, functional health literacy, interactive health literacy, and critical health literacy could explain 60.4% of the variation (adjusted R2= 0.583) of postoperative recovery quality of patients undergoing outpatient surgery. Health literacy of patients undergoing outpatient surgery is an important factor that affects the quality of early postoperative recovery. The health literacy assessment scale can assist medical staff in implementing personalized perioperative nursing and health education.

Status and influential factors of health literacy in patients with ischemic stroke: A cross-sectional study.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the health literacy level and influencing factors of patients with ischemic stroke. A cross-sectional study was conducted. We used convenient sampling to recruit potential participants. Patients with ischemic stroke who were hospitalized in the Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University in China from January 2022 to May 2023 were selected as subjects to complete the questionnaire survey. We used the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale to assess the neurological impairment of patients and the Health Literacy Scale for Chronic Patients to assess the health literacy level of patients. The overall health literacy level of ischemic stroke patients was high (99.13 ± 10.15). Age, education level, per capita monthly family income, living situations and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score were independent risk factors affecting the health literacy level of patients with ischemic stroke. Patients with a higher education level (β = 0.151, P = 0.006) and higher per capita monthly family income (β = 0.179, P = 0.001) had higher levels of health literacy. Patients who lived with their spouses (β = -0.117, P = 0.012) had higher health literacy. Patients at an older age (β = -0.151, P = 0.001) and patients with higher NIHSS scores (β = -0.450, P = 0.001) had lower health literacy levels. Age, education level, family per capita monthly income, living situations and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score were related to the health literacy level of patients with ischemic stroke. According to these associated factors, targeted health education should be developed to improve the health literacy of patients and health outcomes.

EXAMINATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HEALTH LITERACY AND THE LEVEL OF ADAPTATION TO DISEASE IN INDIVIDUALS WITH CHRONIC DISEASES

Aim: This study aimed to determine the health literacy levels of patients applying to the Family Health Center and investigate the relationship between their health literacy levels and their adaptation to chronic diseases. Methods: Our study was planned and implemented as a single-center, cross-sectional and survey study. 328 individuals over the age of 18 and with chronic diseases who applied to Ertuğrul Education Family Health Center No. 36 between August 2020 and January 2021 were included. A 62-question survey including socio-demographic questions, Chronic Disease Adaptation Scale and Turkish Health Literacy Scale-32 (THLS-32) was applied to the participants. Results: The study group's health literacy general index score average was found to be 33.42±8.76, and the general index score average for adaptation to chronic diseases was 80.75±12.62. According to the results of the correlation analysis, a significant and positive relationship was found between the total score of adaptation to chronic diseases and the total score of health literacy (r = .314, p < .001) and its subgroups (p < .001). A significant and positive relationship was found between the physical adaptation subscale score, the health literacy total score, and its subgroups (p < .001). According to the results of the correlation analysis, a significant and positive relationship was found between the psychological adaptation to chronic diseases subscale score and the health literacy total score and subgroups (p < .05). Conclusions: Healthcare personnel's awareness of patients’ health literacy level and their intervention is essential in ensuring that individuals comply with treatment and increasing the quality of healthcare services.

Predictors of Health Literacy Levels in Patients Attending Anesthesia Outpatient Clinics for Preoperative Evaluation.

Health literacy significantly impacts healthcare outcomes, particularly in preoperative settings where patients' understanding of medical procedures, adherence to instructions, and surgical outcomes are influenced. Despite accessibility to medical information, challenges persist in comprehending healthcare details, affecting active patient participation in care. This study aims to assess health literacy among patients attending anesthesia outpatient clinics for preoperative evaluation and analyze associated factors. A sample size of 240 patients was determined using power analysis. The inclusion criteria encompassed informed, consenting patients with adequate mental capacity and primary education, aged 18-65 years, according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA I-II). Data were collected through a descriptive characteristics form and the Health Literacy Scale (HLS). The mean health literacy score was 29.37±6.22, indicating a moderate level. Marital status, education level, employment status, book reading preference, comorbidities, and reason for clinic visits significantly influenced health literacy (p<0.001). Regression analysis revealed marital status (β=-1.915, p=0.047), employment (β=1.187, p=0.039), and book reading preference (β=3.76, p<0.001) as independent predictors of health literacy. Health literacy levels were associated with various socio-demographic and health-related factors. Notably, being single or divorced, employed, and enjoying reading predicted higher health literacy. This underscores the impact of social support, occupation, and reading habits on health literacy. However, longitudinal studies with objective measures are warranted to further explore these associations. This study underscores the importance of addressing health literacy levels in anesthesia outpatient clinics, highlighting key predictors such as marital status, education, and employment. While contributing to our understanding of preoperative health literacy, further research using longitudinal designs and objective measures is essential. Bridging the health literacy gap is crucial for empowering patients, refining decision-making, and elevating the quality of overall surgical experiences.

Anxiety and Health Literacy Levels of Patients Undergoing Colonoscopy.

This descriptive, correlational study was conducted to determine the anxiety and health literacy levels of patients undergoing colonoscopy and the variables affecting them. The study population consisted of individuals who presented for colonoscopy to the endoscopy department of a state hospital. The sample consisted of 160 individuals who met the inclusion criteria. Three data collection tools (Identifying Information Form, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Health Literacy Scale) were used to determine anxiety and health literacy levels. Findings show that the state-trait anxiety of individuals who would undergo colonoscopy for the first time was moderate, and their health literacy scores were inadequate, problematic, and weak. There was a positive and significant relationship between patients' anxiety and health literacy levels. Variables such as age, gender, marital status, education level, employment status, disease-related symptoms, a family history of cancer, and fear of colonoscopy influenced anxiety and health literacy. Based on these findings, we recommend that individuals' anxiety and health literacy status be determined before a colonoscopy procedure to improve gastroenterology nurses' management of these patients.

Psychometric properties of the Health Literacy Knowledge and Experience Survey-2 for Turkish nursing students.

Nursing students should be able to assess the health literacy levels of patients and enable patients to understand important health information. No scale has been developed to measure the health literacy knowledge and experience of Turkish nursing students. The Health Literacy Knowledge and Experience Survey-2 (HLKES-2) is a measurement tool with excellent psychometric properties that can be used to assess the health literacy knowledge and experience of nursing students. In this study, we aimed to determine the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Health Literacy Knowledge and Experience Survey-2 (HLKES-2-T) among Turkish nursing students. The study sample consisted of 510 undergraduate nursing students. The psychometric properties of the HLKES-2-T were analysed in terms of internal consistency, item-total score correlations, content validity, discriminant validity and known-group comparison. The HLKES-2-T total mean ± SD score was 11.69 ± 3.32. The Kuder-Richardson 20 coefficient of the knowledge subscale of the HLKES-2-T was 0.67, and its item-total score correlations ranged between 0.20 and 0.50. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the experience subscale of the HLKES-2-T was 0.73, and its item-total score correlations ranged between 0.75 and 0.78. The content validity index for the overall HLKES-2-T was 0.98. The HLKES-2-T is thus a reliable and valid tool that can be used to assess the health literacy knowledge and experience levels of Turkish nursing students.

Determination of Diabetes Health Literacy Levels of Patients Followed Up With Diabetic Foot Diagnosis: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study.

The number of studies on the diabetes health literacy of patients with diabetic foot is very limited. The aim of this study was to determine the diabetes health literacy levels of patients with diabetic foot. The data in this cross-sectional, descriptive study were collected using a sociodemographic data collection form and the Health Literacy Scale (HLS). Data were analyzed using SPSS for Windows Version 25.0 software. The HLS total score was 35.96 ± 10.70, and the Functional, Interactive and Critical subscale scores were 11.90 ± 5.04, 13.10 ± 4.80, and 10.96 ± 4.19, respectively. The diabetic health literacy level of the patients was seen to be affected by general education level, the status of having received education about diabetes, and family history of diabetes (P < .05). The diabetes health literacy level of patients with diabetic foot can be said to be low. This demonstrates the necessity of determining and increasing the health literacy levels of patients diagnosed with diabetes before the development of diabetic foot.

Estimation of health literacy levels in patients with cardiovascular diseases in a Gulf country

IntroductionCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality worldwide. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the prevalence of deaths associated with CVD is higher than the global average, and the incidence of premature coronary heart disease is 10–15 years earlier than in Western nations. In patients with CVD, inadequate health literacy (HL) is significantly associated with poor health outcomes. The goal of this study is to assess HL levels among patients with CVD in the UAE to develop effective health system strategies for disease prevention and management.MethodsA nationwide cross-sectional survey to assess HL levels in patients with CVD was conducted between January 2019 and May 2020 in the UAE. The association between health literacy level with patient age, gender, nationality, and education was determined using the Chi-Square test. The significant variables were further analyzed by ordinal regression.ResultsOf 336 participants (86.5% response rate), approximately half 51.5% (173/336) of the respondents were women, and 46% (146/336) of them attained high school level of education. More than 75% (268/336) of the participants were above the age of 50 years. Overall, 39.3% (132/336) of respondents possessed inadequate HL, and 46.4% (156/336) and 14.3% (48/336) demonstrated marginal and adequate HL, respectively. Inadequate health literacy was more prevalent among women, as compared to men. Age was significantly associated with HL levels. Participants under age 50 had higher adequate HL levels 45.6% (31/68), (95% CI (3.8–57.4), P < 0.001). There was no correlation between education and health literacy levels.ConclusionThe inadequate HL levels found in outpatients with CVD is a major health concern in the UAE. To improve population health outcomes, health system interventions, including targeted educational and behavioral programs for the older population are necessary.

Development and validation of a Systemic Sclerosis Health Literacy Scale.

Health literacy levels are strongly associated with clinical outcomes and quality of life in patients with chronic diseases, and patients with limited health literacy often require more medical care and achieve poorer clinical outcomes. Among the large number of studies on health literacy, few studies have focused on the health literacy of people with systemic sclerosis (SSc), and there is no specific tool to measure health literacy in this group. Therefore, this study plans to develop a health literacy scale for patients with SSc. This study included 428 SSc patients from the outpatient and inpatient departments of the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the first affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University and the first affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China. The formulation of the scale was completed by forming the concept of health literacy of SSc patients, establishing the item pool, screening items, and evaluating reliability and validity. Classical measurement theory was used to screen items, factor analysis was used to explore the construct validity of the scale, and Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to assess the internal consistency. Our study population was predominantly middle-aged women, with a male to female ratio of 1:5.7 and a mean age of 51.57 ± 10.99. A SSc Health Literacy scale with 6 dimensions and 30 items was developed. The six dimensions are clinic ability, judgment/evaluation information ability, access to information ability, social support, treatment compliance and application information ability. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the scale is 0.960, retest reliability is 0.898, split-half reliability is 0.953, content validity is 0.983, which has good reliability and validity. The Systemic Sclerosis Health Literacy Scale may become a valid tool to evaluate the health literacy level of patients with SSc.

Health literacy levels in patients with type 2 diabetes in an affluent Gulf country: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesTo identify health literacy levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).InterventionNationwide cross-sectional survey.Setting and participantsIndividuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending outpatient diabetes...

Relationship of Oral Health Literacy with Decision-making in Dental Treatment Planning among Urban Population of Lahore

In clinical settings, dentists frequently come across patients with variable oral health literacy, and they are not always able to tell which patients might comprehend with health-related explanations and instructions. Objective: To calculate oral health literacy level of patients reporting for dental treatment and correlation of the aforementioned with patients’ decision-making capacity regarding dental treatment. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted with a pilot study on 60 patients in University Dental Hospital, University of Lahore through non-probability purposive sampling technique. Sample of 200 patients was collected over a period of five months (June 2022-October 2022). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Study was divided into two phases; in Phase I, REALD-30 scale was used. Phase-II involved individuals scoring 11-30 points on REALD-30 scale and who had to complete a self-administered 5-point Likert scale questionnaire with eleven closed-ended items in order to determine their level of decision-making. Results: Study revealed that there was significant association between Oral Health Literacy Level with getting prior information concerning dental issue (p=0.032), ability to appraise the decided treatment plan (p=0.033) and opinion regarding follow up visits (p=0.026). Conclusions: The results of the current study revealed a tenuous link between education, employment position, oral health literacy, and decision-making regarding dental treatment strategy. Effective patient-dentist communication generates strong link between the two leading to compliance of patients with treatment plan suggested by experts

Development of the health literacy assessment instrument for chronic pain patients: A Delphi study.

To develop health literacy assessment instrument for patients with chronic pain. Qualitative methods based on Delphi technique, assessed against the CREDES checklist. A 2-round Delphi method was adopted in this study. The panel consisted of 19 experts. The health literacy assessment instrument for chronic pain patients was constructed, which contained 3 dimensions (functional health literacy, interactive health literacy and critical health literacy) and 41 items. The positive coefficients of two rounds Delphi were 100.00% and 89.5%, respectively. The authority coefficient of experts was 0.848 and 0.858, respectively. The coordination coefficients of dimension and items were 0.222 and 0.364, respectively. The health literacy assessment instrument dimensions and items for patients with chronic pain based on a Delphi method are valid. This instrument is suitable for investigating the health literacy level of patients with chronic pain.

Investigation of health literacy by gender in individuals receiving physiotherapy and rehabilitation services

Purpose: Health literacy is important for the science of physiotherapy, which includes treatment methods based on understanding and practice. To increase the health literacy level of patients, individual characteristics should be considered. The aim of this study is to investigate the health literacy level of individuals who received physiotherapy and rehabilitation services and identify the role of gender on the health literacy level.Methods: The health literacy levels of patients who received physiotherapy and rehabilitation services due to an orthopedic injury or musculoskeletal problem were examined. Health literacy was evaluated with the Turkey Health Literacy Questionnaire (THLQ). Age, body mass index, disease duration, number of physiotherapy sessions, physiotherapy history and education level were questioned. Whether the data obtained differed according to gender was analysed with appropriate statistical methods.Results: Average health literacy overall score found as 34.02±8.56. The mean health literacy score of females was found to be significantly better than that of males (p&amp;lt;0.01). No difference was found between genders in terms of excellent health literacy status (p=0.008).Conclusion: The health literacy level of patients who received physiotherapy and rehabilitation services was found to be sufficient. The health literacy level of females was found to be higher than males. Since our study reveals the health literacy level of patients receiving physiotherapy, it is also expected to contribute to future studies on public health.with the Turkey Health Literacy Questionnaire (THLQ). Age, body mass index, disease duration,number of physiotherapy sessions, physiotherapy history and education level were questioned.Whether the data obtained differed according to gender was analysed with appropriate statisticalmethods.Results: Average health literacy overall score found as 34.02±8.56. The mean health literacy score offemales was found to be significantly better than that of males (p&amp;lt;0.01). No difference was foundbetween genders in terms of excellent health literacy status (p=0.008).Conclusion: The health literacy level of patients who received physiotherapy and rehabilitationservices was found to be sufficient. The health literacy level of females was found to be higher thanmales. Since our study reveals the health literacy level of patients receiving physiotherapy, it is alsoexpected to contribute to future studies on public health.

Health Literacy-Based Self-Management Intervention for Patient-Family Caregiver Dyads Undergoing Hemodialysis.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a health literacy-based self-management intervention for patient-family caregiver dyads undergoing hemodialysis. A quasi-experimental design was used. The intervention group ( n = 20) received a health literacy-based self-management intervention for patient-family caregiver dyads, whereas the control group ( n = 23) received standard informational messages through a short messaging service for 8 weeks. All participants were assessed for hemodialysis knowledge, self-efficacy, family support, self-management, the ratio of interdialytic weight gain to dry weight, and serum phosphorus and potassium levels at pretest and posttest. Participants in the intervention group exhibited higher scores on hemodialysis knowledge, self-efficacy, family support, and self-management than those in the control group. In addition, the ratio of interdialytic weight gain to dry weight decreased significantly in the intervention group. The health literacy-based self-management intervention for patient-family caregiver dyads undergoing hemodialysis was effective in improving hemodialysis knowledge, self-efficacy, family support, self-management, and the ratio of interdialytic weight gain to dry weight. Because health literacy is an important factor influencing self-management, interventions for patients undergoing hemodialysis should consider the health literacy level of patients and their family caregivers.