Cognitive function and health literacy are independently associated with heart failure knowledge.
OBJECTIVE
Determine the relationship between cognitive function and health literacy in heart failure (HF) knowledge in patients with HF.


BACKGROUND
HF requires extensive, complex treatment; thus, cognition and health literacy may contribute to understanding and self-management of HF.


METHODS
Participants were 330 HF outpatients. Health literacy was assessed using the Medical Term Recognition Test and the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine. Global cognitive function was screened with the Modified Mini-Mental Status Examination. HF knowledge was assessed with the Dutch Heart Failure Knowledge Scale (DHFKS).


RESULTS
Health literacy (β = .26, p < .001) and cognition (β = .36, p < .001) were related to DHFKS. Both scores were independently associated with DHFKS (health literacy: β = .13, p = .044 and cognition: β = .30, p < .001).


CONCLUSIONS
Impairments in health literacy and cognition were independently associated with reduced HF knowledge. Interventions should address both factors to be maximally effective.
Department of Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74074, USA. Electronic address: misty.hawkins@okstate.edu.
Misty A W
MA
Hawkins
School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, USA.
Mary A
MA
Dolansky
Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, USA.
Jennifer B
JB
Levin
Department of Psychology, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA.
Julie T
JT
Schaefer
Department of Psychology, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA.
John
J
Gunstad
Department of Psychiatry, Summa Health System, Akron City Hospital, USA.
Joseph D
JD
Redle
Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, USA; Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute, University Hospitals, USA.
Richard
R
Josephson
Department of Psychology, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA.
Joel W
JW
Hughes
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D057220:Health Literacy / Q000379:methods*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology*
Cognitive function; Health literacy; Heart failure; Knowledge; Neuropsychological testing
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