Association of health literacy with physical and mental health in people with chronic diseases

Abstract

Objective: to explore the association of health literacy domains with physical and mental quality of life in people with selected chronic diseases.

Methods: Community-dwelling people with selected chronic diseases planned for immunization against influenza in 2017/2018 were included in the study. All non-vaccinated people and the corresponding number of randomly selected vaccinated people matched on town of residence were included. Data were collected by means of socio-demographic questionnaire, Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) and Short Form-36 (SF-36). The Physical and Mental Composite Scores as well as their domains were observed as the study outcomes.

Results: A total of 295 people were studied. The adjusted logistic regression showed that Physical and Mental composite scores were associated with all HLQ domains except 5) Appraisal of health information. Better Physical Functioning was associated with higher scores on 1) Feeling understood and supported by healthcare providers, 6) Ability to actively engage with healthcare providers, 7) Navigating the healthcare system and 8) Ability to find good health information. Better scores on Vitality, Social Functioning, Role Emotional and Mental Health were associated with higher scores on all HLQ domains except 5) Appraisal of health information.

Conclusion: Health literacy is important for physical and mental quality of life among people with chronic diseases. Health care providers and other stakeholders should continuously work to improve health literacy of their patients.

Keywords: Chronic illness; Health literacy; Littératie en santé; Quality of life; maladie chronique; qualité de vie.