Beyond reading alone: The relationship between aural literacy and asthma management

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the relationship between literacy and asthma management with a focus on the oral exchange. Methods: Study participants, all of whom reported asthma, were drawn from the New England Family Study (NEFS), an examination of links between education and health. NEFS data included reading, oral (speaking), and aural (listening) literacy measures. An additional survey was conducted with this group of study participants related to asthma issues, particularly asthma management. Data analysis focused on bivariate and multivariable logistic regression. Results: In bivariate logistic regression models exploring aural literacy, there was a statistically significant association between those participants with lower aural literacy skills and less successful asthma management (OR: 4.37, 95%CI: 1.11, 17.32). In multivariable logistic regression analyses, controlling for gender, income, and race in separate models (one-at-a-time), there remained a statistically significant association between those participants with lower aural literacy skills and less successful asthma management. Conclusion: Lower aural literacy skills seem to complicate asthma management capabilities. Practice implications: Greater attention to the oral exchange, in particular the listening skills highlighted by aural literacy, as well as other related literacy skills may help us develop strategies for clear communication related to asthma management. © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.