The impact of low health literacy on surgical practice

Am J Surg. 2004 Sep;188(3):250-3. doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2004.04.005.

Abstract

Background: We sought to determine the prevalence of low health literacy (LHL) among patients in a preoperative clinic, the characteristics associated with LHL, and the association between LHL and adherence to preoperative instructions.

Methods: We conducted a cohort study and interviewed patients at a VA preoperative clinic. We administered a health literacy test and collected sociodemographic information. When patients returned for their scheduled surgical procedures, adherence to preoperative instructions was assessed.

Results: Of 332 participants, 12% (n = 40) had LHL. Low health literacy was more prevalent among older adults (more than 65 years) compared with those under age 65. Patients with LHL were more likely to be nonadherent to preoperative medication instructions (odds ratio = 1.9; 95% confidence interval: 0.8 to 4.8), but this was of borderline statistical significance.

Conclusions: Low health literacy was common among older patients and appeared to be associated with lower adherence to preoperative medication instructions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / education
  • Cohort Studies
  • Educational Status
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Hospitals, Veterans*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Outpatient Clinics, Hospital*
  • Patient Compliance*
  • Patient Education as Topic / methods*
  • Preoperative Care / methods
  • Reading*