Objectives: Hypertension is the most important controllable risk factor for cardiovascular, stroke and kidney diseases. Acquiring health information and proper compliance with medical personnel advice requires high levels of health literacy. Thus, the present study was conducted to determine the relationship between health literacy and hypertension treatment control and follow-up in patients attending rural health centers of Rasht city. Methods:This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 257 patients with hypertension selected according to a multistage random sampling method from all rural health centers of Rasht city. Data collection tools included Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (STOFHLA), hypertension knowledge, and Charlson Comorbidity Index that were completed by patients. Data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation, regression, and Chi-square tests.Results: Par ticipants' mean age was 55.7 years and their mean health literacy was 68.7%. Health literacy was found significantly related to education level (P<0.001), age (P<0.001), and monthly hypertension control (P<0.001). The main sources of acquiring health info rmation included doctors (38.5%), medical personnel (33.7%), and proper use of medication 94.9%. Conclusion:Patients with adequate health literacy were more successful in control and treatment of their diseases. Doctors and medical personnel were more effective in education than other health information sources. Identifying patients with poor health literacy and providing them with appropriate education can have a major role in promoting community health. TypeOriginal Article
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