The impact of health literacy on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and utility assessment among patients with rheumatic diseases

39Citations
Citations of this article
75Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of health literacy (HL) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and utility assessment among patients with rheumatic diseases. Methods: HL was measured by the rapid estimate of adult literacy in medicine (REALM) and was characterized as low or adequate. HRQoL and utility scores were assessed using the SF-36, SF-6D, and EQ-5D. Comparisons of sociodemographics and HRQoL in patients with low or adequate HL were made using t test, chi-square, or Mann-Whitney U tests. Spearman's correlation and partial correlations were used to study the relationship between HL, HRQoL, and utility scores, with significant correlations further explored using multiple linear regression models. Results: Data were analyzed from 199 subjects. Patients with adequate HL had significantly higher education levels, better dwelling status, lower disease activity, and better physical functioning (PF). There was a significant although weak correlation between HL level and PF. After adjustment, HL level was shown to independently explain 3.7% of the variance in the PF score. Nevertheless, there was no impact of HL on utility assessment or other HRQoL domains. Conclusion: HL did not impact HRQoL in general, but was found to have a weak impact on the PF of patients with rheumatic diseases. © 2009, International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR).

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Zhang, X. H., Li, S. C., Fong, K. Y., & Thumboo, J. (2009). The impact of health literacy on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and utility assessment among patients with rheumatic diseases. Value in Health, 12(SUPPL. 3). https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4733.2009.00640.x

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free