Associations between disease education, self-management support, and health literacy in psoriasis

Abstract

Background: Patients’ ability to perform self-management may be compromised if they are unable to fully comprehend their diagnosis and treatments. Weaknesses in health literacy (HL) pose a considerable health concern and may negatively influence SM, as well as interactions with health care professionals (HCP) and peers. Objectives: To investigate possible associations between comprehensive HL and psoriasis education from HCPs in a cohort of patients with psoriasis. Another aim was to examine essential sources for psoriasis information and how these are evaluated. Methods: Cross-sectional questionnaire data, including the comprehensive Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) from 825 patients with psoriasis who had participated in Climate Helio Therapy (CHT). Results: Participants having received HCP education scored significantly better in all HLQ scales compared to participants who did not receive such education (Cohen’s effect size: 0.24 to 0.44). The CHT program, peers, and dermatologists were the most important sources of psoriasis information. People having participated more than once in CHT presented better HL scores and also higher self-management (skill and technique acquisition) and more psoriasis knowledge (effect-size: 0.75). Conclusions: Psoriasis education by HCP seems important for HL and psoriasis knowledge. Patients may need multiple approaches and repetitions over time to be health literate and effective self-managers.