The relationship between health literacy and general health level of hemodialysis patients: A case study in iran

Abstract

Background: Health literacy includes the social cognitive skills that determine the motivation and ability of individuals in achieving, understanding, and utilizing information to maintain and enhance health. People with inadequate health literacy have a weaker health condition. The present study aimed at investigating the relationship between health literacy and the general health level of hemodialysis patients. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 130 hemodialysis patients of Baharlu Hospital in Tehran. Data were collected using Health Literacy and General Health Assessment Tool. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0 software and Spearman correlation test. Results: The results revealed that the health literacy mean score was 46.81 ± 22.87 and that the studied individuals did not have sufficient health literacy. The general health mean score was 14.20 ± 6.50, and there was a statistically significant relationship between health literacy and general health (P < 0.05). Conclusions: In this study, it was found that those with higher health literacy score had better general health. Dialysis causes many clinical and psychological problems, limiting physical and mental activities of the patients. The decrease in health literacy is associated with a decrease in health including physical and psychological problems. In general, dialysis patients still need to learn more about health literacy and general health.