Predictive factors for limited health literacy among persons with cirrhosis: A Swedish explorative cross-sectional study

TL;DR

This study finds that limited health literacy is common among people with cirrhosis in Sweden, linked to low education and a liver-related condition called covert hepatic encephalopathy.

Contribution

The study identifies low education and covert hepatic encephalopathy as novel predictors of limited health literacy in cirrhosis patients.

Findings

58% of Swedish adults with cirrhosis had limited health literacy.

Low education and covert hepatic encephalopathy were significantly associated with limited health literacy.

Healthcare providers should tailor education to patients' literacy levels to improve outcomes.

Abstract

Fatigue and altered cognitive capacity are common symptoms following cirrhosis. Patients consider information about cirrhosis difficult to understand. Health literacy levels vary among persons with chronic illnesses, which can hamper participation in and adaptation to treatment, potential restrictions and recommendations. Limited health literacy might also lead to decreased autonomy.

The aim was to explore predictors of limited health literacy among adults with cirrhosis.

This cross-sectional study explored health literacy among 167 Swedish adults with cirrhosis, 94 men and 73 women with a median age of 65 years using the ‘Newest Vital Sign’ instrument. Predictors of limited health literacy were examined in relation to patient characteristics and cirrhosis disease events. The study is reported following the STROBE guidelines.

The prevalence of limited health literacy was 58%. Low education and covert hepatic encephalopathy were associated with limited health literacy (p < 0.05).

Limited health literacy is common among Swedish adults with cirrhosis. Both covert hepatic encephalopathy and low education might be predictors of limited health literacy. Healthcare providers should tailor their patient education based on the patient’s literacy level to facilitate understanding, learning and self-management.

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