Health Literacy, Health Numeracy, and Trust in Doctor: Effects on Key Patient Health Outcomes

Health literacy has repeatedly been shown to be associated with a multitude of negative health outcomes. Previous research has shown that patient health literacy levels are hard to predict by physicians and that assessment tools used to measure health literacy may be outdated or lacking. The purpose of this study is to replicate and extend the findings of previous research by examining residents’ ability to predict health literacy levels in patients and to use a newer validated measure of health literacy. A total of 38 patient encounters were included in this study. Patients were administered the Health Literacy Skills Instrument-Short Form to assess health literacy levels. Twenty resident physicians conducted visits with study participants and were asked to predict the health literacy of their patients. Results indicated that, consistent with previous research, residents’ predictions of patient health literacy were not consistent with patient health literacy levels as measured by the Health Literacy Skills Instrument-Short Form. Implications of these findings and future directions are discussed.

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Intervention Based on Integration of Health Literacy and Health Outcomes in Hypertension “A Systematic Review”

Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences ◽

10.3889/oamjms.2021.6489 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (F) ◽

pp. 486-491

Author(s):

Samsiana Samsiana ◽

Syamsiar Siang Russeng ◽

Ridwan Amiruddin

Keyword(s):

Health Literacy ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Hypertensive Patient ◽

Literacy Skills ◽

Self Management ◽

Bibliographic Databases ◽

Hypertensive Patients ◽

Adequate Health Literacy ◽

Low Health Literacy ◽

Patient Health

BACKGROUND: Hypertensive patients with low health literacy rarely visit health services, therefore, they have more chances of being hospitalized in comparison with those having a more adequate health literacy. AIM: This article aims to identify intervention based on integration of health literacy and its outcome in hypertensive patients. METHODS: Articles were searched using four bibliographic databases, namely, ProQuest, Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar. PRISMA 2015 is used as a guideline for determining which articles are selected, one of the criteria being published on 2011–2021. RESULTS: A total of 25,264 articles were obtained from the four databases. Seven articles were selected after the extraction and incorporation of the inclusion criteria. The health outcomes of hypertension sufferers after receiving intervention based on integration of health literacy were divided into three groups; medical health outcomes, health literacy skills, and hypertension self-management behavioral. CONCLUSION: An intervention integrated with health literacy and considering the hypertensive patient health literacy in its own will increase the health outcomes of hypertensive patient.

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Quick Guide to Health Literacy: Health Literacy and Health Outcomes

PsycEXTRA Dataset ◽

10.1037/e568202010-001 ◽

2013 ◽

Keyword(s):

Health Literacy ◽

Health Outcomes

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Testing the health literacy of twenty Bangladeshi patients before and 5 months after they begin to access their GP electronic record

British Journal of General Practice ◽

10.3399/bjgp18x697133 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 68 (suppl 1) ◽

pp. bjgp18X697133

Author(s):

Richard Fitton ◽

Amir Hannan ◽

Ingrid Brindle ◽

Shafia Begum ◽

Sarwar Shah

Keyword(s):

Health Literacy ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Medical History ◽

Medical Records ◽

Practice Nurse ◽

Electronic Record ◽

Phone Calls ◽

Before And After ◽

Medical Histories ◽

Memory Knowledge

BackgroundPatients with higher health literacy enjoy better health outcomes and are more compliant with treatment. Health literacy is a product of memory, reason and imagination. Patients who can access their records have potentially more memory (knowledge) and make less phone calls to and have less consultations with their GP, practice nurse, HCA and other professionals.AimThe study aims to measure the knowledge that twenty Bangladeshi patients with poor English have of their medical history before and after access to their electronic record.Method55% of patients at Thornley House have access to their medical records. A simple questionnaire was given to 20 Bangladeshi patients before and 5 months after access to their electronic record. The questionnaires recorded the patients’ knowledge of their medical histories. The scores of the completed before and after questionnaires were compared to see if record access had increased patients’ knowledge.ResultsFive patients completed before and after questionnaires. Each achieved a higher score after record access. The differences in scores for the five patients were 2, 5, 1, 10, and 1, respectively.ConclusionHealth literacy for patients is similar to medical literacy for doctors. It requires knowledge, skills and attitudes. We will see whether record access can increase knowledge. Further studies might measure whether that increased knowledge improves skills and attitudes.

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The impact of health literacy on health outcomes in individuals with chronic pain: a cross-sectional study

Physiotherapy ◽

10.1016/j.physio.2018.11.006 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 105 (3) ◽

pp. 346-353

Author(s):

Laura M. Mackey ◽

Catherine Blake ◽

Maire-Brid Casey ◽

Camillus K. Power ◽

Ray Victory ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chronic Pain ◽

Health Literacy ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Impact

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OP0257-PARE USING PATIENT HEALTH LITERACY PROFILES TO IDENTIFY SOLUTIONS TO CHALLENGES FACED IN RHEUMATOLOGY CARE

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.877 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 162.2-162

Author(s):

M. Bakker ◽

P. Putrik ◽

J. Rademakers ◽

M. Van de Laar ◽

H. Vonkeman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Literacy ◽

The Netherlands ◽

Health System ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Family Doctor ◽

List Type ◽

Research Support ◽

Score Distribution ◽

Patient Health ◽

Literacy Profiles

Background:The prevalence of limited health literacy (i.e. cognitive and social resources of individuals to access, understand and apply health information to promote and maintain good health) in the Netherlands is estimated to be over 36% [1]. Access to and outcomes of rheumatological care may be compromised by limited patient health literacy, yet little is known about how to address this, thus action is required. As influencing individual patients’ health literacy in the rheumatology context is often unrealistic, it is paramount for the health system to be tailored to the health literacy needs of its patients. The OPtimising HEalth LIteracy and Access (Ophelia) process offers a method to inform system change [2].Objectives:Following the Ophelia approach:a. Identify health literacy profiles reflecting strengths and weaknesses of outpatients with RA, SpA and gout.b. Use the health literacy profiles to facilitate discussions on challenges for patients and professionals in rheumatological care and identify possible solutions the health system could offer to address these challenges.Methods:Patients with RA, SpA and gout attending outpatient clinics in three centres in the Netherlands completed the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) and questions on socio-demographic and health-related characteristics. Hierarchical cluster analysis using Ward’s method identified clusters based on the nine HLQ domains. Three researchers jointly examined 24 cluster solutions for meaningfulness by interpreting HLQ domain scores and patient characteristics. Meaningful clusters were translated into health literacy profiles using HLQ patterns and demographic data. A patient research partner confirmed the identified profiles. Patient vignettes were designed by combining cluster analyses results with qualitative patient interviews. The vignettes were used in two two-hour co-design workshops with rheumatologists and nurses to discuss their perspective on health literacy-related challenges for patients and professionals, and generate ideas on how to address these challenges.Results:In total, 895 patients participated: 49% female, mean age 61 years (±13.0), 25% lived alone, 18% had a migrant background, 6.6% did not speak Dutch at home and 51% had low levels of education. Figure 1 shows a heat map of identified health literacy profiles, displaying the score distribution per profile across nine health literacy domains. Figure 2 shows an excerpt of a patient vignette, describing challenges for a patient with profile number 9. The workshops were attended by 7 and 14 nurses and rheumatologists. Proposed solutions included health literacy communication training for professionals, developing and improving (visual) patient information materials, peer support for patients through patient associations or group consultations, a clear referral system for patients who need additional guidance by a nurse, social worker, lifestyle coach, pharmacist or family doctor, and more time with rheumatology nurses for target populations. Moreover, several system adaptations to the clinic, such as a central desk for all patient appointments, were proposed.Conclusion:This study identified several distinct health literacy profiles of patients with rheumatic conditions. Engaging with health professionals in co-design workshops led to numerous bottom-up ideas to improve care. Next steps include co-design workshops with patients, followed by prioritising and testing proposed interventions.References:[1]Heijmans M. et al. Health Literacy in the Netherlands. Utrecht: Nivel 2018[2]Batterham R. et al. BMC Public Health 2014, 14:694Disclosure of Interests:Mark Bakker: None declared, Polina Putrik: None declared, Jany Rademakers Speakers bureau: In March 2017, Prof. Dr. Rademakers was invited to speak about health literacy at the “Heuvellanddagen” Conference, hosted by Janssen-Cilag., Mart van de Laar Consultant of: Sanofi Genzyme, Speakers bureau: Sanofi Genzyme, Harald Vonkeman: None declared, Marc R Kok Grant/research support from: BMS and Novartis, Consultant of: Novartis and Galapagos, Hanneke Voorneveld: None declared, Sofia Ramiro Grant/research support from: MSD, Consultant of: Abbvie, Lilly, Novartis, Sanofi Genzyme, Speakers bureau: Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Maarten de Wit Grant/research support from: Dr. de Wit reports personal fees from Ely Lilly, 2019, personal fees from Celgene, 2019, personal fees from Pfizer, 2019, personal fees from Janssen-Cilag, 2017, outside the submitted work., Consultant of: Dr. de Wit reports personal fees from Ely Lilly, 2019, personal fees from Celgene, 2019, personal fees from Pfizer, 2019, personal fees from Janssen-Cilag, 2017, outside the submitted work., Speakers bureau: Dr. de Wit reports personal fees from Ely Lilly, 2019, personal fees from Celgene, 2019, personal fees from Pfizer, 2019, personal fees from Janssen-Cilag, 2017, outside the submitted work., Richard Osborne Consultant of: Prof. Osborne is a paid consultant for pharma in the field of influenza and related infectious diseases., Roy Batterham: None declared, Rachelle Buchbinder: None declared, Annelies Boonen Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Consultant of: Galapagos, Lilly (all paid to the department)

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International survey for assessing COVID-19’s impact on fear and health: study protocol

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2021-048720 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. e048720

Author(s):

Kris Yuet-Wan Lok ◽

Daniel Yee Tak Fong ◽

Janet Y.H. Wong ◽

Mandy Ho ◽

Edmond PH Choi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Literacy ◽

International Study ◽

Ethics Committees ◽

Well Being ◽

International Perspective ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Health Study ◽

The World ◽

Patient Health ◽

Health Related

IntroductionCOVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2, has been one of the most highly contagious and rapidly spreading virus outbreak. The pandemic not only has catastrophic impacts on physical health and economy around the world, but also the psychological well-being of individuals, communities and society. The psychological and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic internationally have not been well described. There is a lack of international study assessing health-related impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially on the degree to which individuals are fearful of the pandemic. Therefore, this study aims to (1) assess the health-related impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in community-dwelling individuals around the world; (2) determine the extent various communities are fearful of COVID-19 and (3) identify perceived needs of the population to prepare for potential future pandemics.Methods and analysisThis global study involves 30 countries. For each country, we target at least 500 subjects aged 18 years or above. The questionnaires will be available online and in local languages. The questionnaires include assessment of the health impacts of COVID-19, perceived importance of future preparation for the pandemic, fear, lifestyles, sociodemographics, COVID-19-related knowledge, e-health literacy, out-of-control scale and the Patient Health Questionnaire-4. Descriptive statistics will be used to describe participants’ characteristics, perceptions on the health-related impacts of COVID-19, fear, anxiety and depression, lifestyles, COVID-19 knowledge, e-health literacy and other measures. Univariable and multivariable regression models will be used to assess the associations of covariates on the outcomes.Ethics and disseminationThe study has been reviewed and approved by the local ethics committees in participating countries, where local ethics approval is needed. The results will be actively disseminated. This study aims to map an international perspective and comparison for future preparation in a pandemic.

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Health literacy and health outcomes in China’s floating population: mediating effects of health service

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10662-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Hai-YanYu ◽

Wei-Ling Wu ◽

Lin-Wei Yu ◽

Lei Wu

Keyword(s):

Health Literacy ◽

Health Service ◽

Health Services ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Service Utilization ◽

Health Service Utilization ◽

Mediating Effect ◽

Floating Population ◽

Equation Modeling ◽

Mediating Effects

Abstract Background The floating population in China consists primarily of internal immigrants and represents a typical health vulnerable group. Poor health literacy has recently become an obstacle in the accessibility and utilization of health services for the vulnerable population, leading to adverse health outcomes. This study aimed to examine whether health literacy affected health outcomes in China’s floating population and whether health service utilization had a mediating effect between health literacy and health outcomes. Method The current study utilized a cross-sectional stratified, multistage, proportional to scale (PPS) study in Zhejiang Province, China, in November and December 2019. In total, 657 valid self-reported questionnaires were recovered and used for data collection. Questionnaires included questions regarding sociodemographic characteristics, health literacy, health outcomes, and health service utilization. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test questionnaire validity; descriptive statistics were used to understand the demographic characteristics of the floating population; and structural equation modeling was used to determine whether health service utilization mediated health literacy and health outcomes. Results We report positive correlations between health literacy, health service utilization, and health outcomes. Mediation analysis demonstrated that health service utilization had partial mediating effects between health literacy and health outcomes. In the relationship between health literacy and health outcomes, the indirect effects of health service utilization accounted for 6.6–8.7% of the total effects. Conclusion Complete health literacy, through health care literacy and health promotion literacy, affects the mobile population’s initiative to use health services, which, in turn, affects health outcomes. Thus, improving the health literacy of the floating population will help to improve health outcomes. Furthermore, health service providers should enhance the diversity of health service supply to ensure that the floating population has the external resources to improve personal health literacy.

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