NÍVEL DE LETRAMENTO FUNCIONAL EM SAÚDE E COMPORTAMENTO EM SAÚDE DE IDOSOS

The low health literacy in Latin America and the Caribbean: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Health literacy (HL) impacts people's health and well-being. In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), there are no general estimates of the prevalence of low HL. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of low HL among citizens of LAC and identify the tools used to measure it.

METHODS

We included observational studies quantifying the prevalence of low HL in people living in LAC. We searched PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, ERIC, LILACS, PsycINFO, Redalyc, SciELO, Web of Science, PQDT, and the reference lists of the included studies in June 2023. Two reviewers independently conducted the selection, extraction, and risk of bias assessment using the JBI Critical Appraisal Tools. Meta-analysis of proportions using random effects models was used to summarize the prevalence of low HL estimated. This prevalence was measured in each study using different classification methods: word recognition items, reading and numeracy comprehension items, and self-reported comprehension items.

RESULTS

Eighty four studies involving 23,914 participants from 15 countries were included. We identified 23 tools to assess HL, and most of the studies were carried out in health services. The pooled prevalence of low HL were 44.02% (95%CI: 36.12-52.24) for reading and numeracy comprehension items, 50.62% (95%CI: 41.82-59.39) for word recognition items, and 41.73% (95%CI: 31.76-52.43) for self-reported comprehension items.

CONCLUSION

Despite the variability in the prevalence of low HL and a diversity of tools, the average of low HL is of concern. Almost half of the participants in the included studies have low HL. Most of the studies targeted users of healthcare services. Further research investigating the prevalence of low HL in the general population and actions focused on health education, communication, and information are necessary.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO (CRD42021250286).

The Multidimensionality of Low Health Literacy in Older Adults: A Scoping Review of International Studies

This scoping review aims to map the dimensions encompassing the low health literacy (HL) of older adults, describing their respective causes and consequences. A three-step search strategy was conducted using 16 databases from nine portals and reference lists. Of the 4,259 identified studies, 2,845 were screened and 29 (1%) were included. Studies were published between 1999 and 2021, most of them in English (86.2%), from the American continent (48.3%) and with observational design (86.2%). Four dimensions encompassing the low HL of older adults were mapped: (1) patient dimension, (2) healthcare system dimension, (3) social/economic dimension, and (4) health condition dimension. This review highlights specific dimensions encompassing the low literacy in older adults with evidence about its causes and consequences. These results can guide future research and evidence-based practice involving HL of older adults.

Health literacy and adherence to the pharmacological treatment by people with arterial hypertension

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the association between health literacy and the adherence to the pharmacological treatment of Brazilians with arterial hypertension.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study with 234 participants who responded an on-line sociodemographic and clinical characterization questionnaire, in addition to evaluation of health literacy and of the adherence to their pharmacological treatment. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and difference and correlation tests.

RESULTS

People with post-graduation, who were actively working and did not smoke, had better health literacy results. Elders and those who were retired or lived on government subsidies adhered better to the medication treatment. There was a correlation between the numerical dimension (rs=0.189; p=0.004) and the global health literacy result (r2=0.170; p=0.009) with the adherence.

CONCLUSIONS

A better numerical and global understanding of health literacy was associated with better adherence to arterial hypertension medication treatment.

Letramento em saúde e adesão ao tratamento farmacológico de pessoas com hipertensão arterial

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a associação entre o letramento em saúde e a adesão ao tratamento farmacológico de brasileiros com hipertensão arterial. Métodos: Estudo transversal, desenvolvido com 234 participantes, que responderam um questionário on-line de caracterização sociodemográfica, clínica, avaliação do letramento em saúde e da adesão ao tratamento farmacológico.Os dados foram analisados com estatística descritiva e testes de diferença e correlação. Resultados: Pessoas com pós-graduação, que trabalhavam e não tabagistas obtiveram melhores resultados de letramento em saúde. Idosos e aposentados/pensionistas apresentaram melhor adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso. Houve correlação entre a dimensão numérica (rs=0,189; p=0,004) e o resultado global de letramento em saúde (rs = 0,170; p=0,009) com a adesão. Conclusões: Melhor compreensão numérica e global de letramento em saúde estiveram associados a melhores resultados de adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso da hipertensão arterial.

Fatores associados ao letramento funcional em saúde da pessoa idosa em tratamento pré-dialítico

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar os fatores associados ao letramento funcional em saúde da pessoa idosa em tratamento pré-dialítico. Método Estudo seccional, realizado com 60 idosos com diagnóstico de doença renal crônica e assistidos no ambulatório de tratamento conservador de um hospital público, na cidade do Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil. Os dados foram coletados por meio do instrumento Test of Health Literacy in Adults versão abreviada e questionário estruturado, sendo posteriormente analisados por estatística descritiva e inferencial. Resultado: O letramento funcional em saúde foi insuficiente 43(71,7%) e esteve associado a menor escolaridade (p-valor=0,000) e raça não branca (p-valor=0,040). Conclusão O nível instrucional e a raça são fatores que interferem no letramento funcional em saúde, servindo de subsídios para a elaboração de ações educativas ajustadas à realidade desse público.