title: A Cross-Sectional Comparison of Health Literacy Deficits Among Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease.
abstract: Inadequate health literacy in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with poorer disease management and greater complications. There are limited data on the health literacy deficits of people with CKD. The aim of this study was to investigate the types and extent of health literacy deficits in patients with CKD using the multidimensional Health Literacy Management Scale (HeLMS) and to identify associations between patient characteristics and the domains of health literacy measured by the HeLMS. Invitations to participate were sent to patients with CKD attending the renal unit of a regional Australian hospital. These patients included predialysis, dialysis (peritoneal and hemodialysis), and kidney transplant patients. This study identified that inadequate health literacy--especially in the domains relating to attending to one's health needs, understanding health information, social support, and socioeconomic factors--was common. Male gender and education level were significantly associated with inadequate health literacy. The type and extent of health literacy deficits varied among CKD groups, and transplant patients had more deficits than other CKD patient groups. This study provides useful information for health professionals treating patients with CKD, especially with regard to the design of self-management interventions and health information.
authors.affiliation: a School of Medicine , University of Wollongong , Wollongong , New South Wales , Australia.|b Department of Clinical Nutrition , Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District , Wollongong , New South Wales , Australia.
authors.forename: Kelly
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lambert
authors.affiliation: c Graduate School of Medicine , University of Wollongong , Wollongong , New South Wales , Australia.
authors.forename: Judy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mullan
authors.affiliation: c Graduate School of Medicine , University of Wollongong , Wollongong , New South Wales , Australia.
authors.forename: Kylie
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mansfield
authors.affiliation: d Renal Medicine , Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District , Wollongong , New South Wales , Australia.
authors.forename: Maureen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lonergan
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D057220:Health Literacy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D051436:Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / Q000628:therapy*; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology; D012737:Sex Factors