Health Literacy among Individuals with Disabilities: A Health Information National Trends Survey Analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Limited health literacy has been shown to be detrimental on health outcomes and the health care system, such as high rates of mortality and health care costs. A disability has been diagnosed in more than 19% of the US population, but the health literacy status of these individuals has yet to be adequately assessed. Objective: To examine the health literacy concerns of a nationally representative sample of individuals with disabilities. Methods: Data analysis using the Health Information National Trends Survey, a nationally representative survey sponsored by the National Cancer Institute. Descriptive analyses and χ2 tests were conducted to examine the association between sociodemographics, disability status, and health literacy concerns. A weighted logistic regression model was performed to explore associations between disability status and each health literacy concern, controlling for sociodemographics. Results: Results show 2 areas of concern for individuals with disabilities compared with those who did not report a disability: The effort to find needed information and being frustrated during the search for information. There was no difference detected between individuals with and without disabilities regarding being concerned about the quality of information found and believing that the information found was hard to understand. Discussion: These findings do not support the notion that individuals with disabilities are more likely to experience health literacy difficulties than individuals without disabilities. However, accurately assessing and improving health literacy for the diverse group of individuals with disabilities requires tailored approaches and further attention. Conclusion: Precise assessment of health literacy and disabilities is necessary to identify and address the unique concerns of this population.