Abstract
Many health literacy interventions have a limited focus on functional/cognitive skills. In psychosocial models, the capacity to act however is seen as a major driver of behavioural change. This aspect is often lacking in health literacy concepts. In this study, we examine the impact of both aspects of health literacy (functional/cognitive and capacity to act) on specific healthcare outcomes (healthcare use, experiences with patient-centered care, shared-decision making, and self-management). In a sample of a national panel of people with a chronic disease (NPCD), questions about health literacy, patient activation, and outcomes were asked. The results indicated that 39.9% had limited HL levels and 36.9% had a low activation score. Combined, 22.7% of the sample scored low on both aspects, whereas 45.8% had adequate levels on both. Patients who score low on both use more healthcare and have less positive experiences with patient-centered care, shared decision making, and self-management. Patients who have adequate competency levels in both respects have the best outcomes. Both cognitive and non-cognitive aspects of health literacy are important, and they enhance each other. The capacity to act is especially important for the extent to which people feel able to self-manage.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 1676 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health |
Volume | 15 |
Issue number | 8 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 7 Aug 2018 |
Keywords
- health literacy
- health determinants
- health competencies
- health outcomes
- patient-centered care
- definitions
- conceptual models
- PATIENT ACTIVATION
- CARE
- INFORMATION
- STRATEGIES
- CONSUMERS
- Humans
- Middle Aged
- Male
- Cognition
- Self-Management
- Young Adult
- Netherlands
- Adult
- Female
- Decision Making
- Health Behavior
- Health Literacy/statistics & numerical data
- Aged
- Patient Acceptance of Health Care/statistics & numerical data