Factors Associated with Limited Health Literacy in Patients Undergoing Kidney Transplantation

Abstract

Introduction: Limited health literacy (HL) is associated with more significant difficulties in health self-management and unfavorable outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing kidney transplantation (KTx). This study aimed to analyze the factors associated with limited LS in patients undergoing KTx. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, analytical study with 129 patients from a reference hospital in KTx in Goiânia, the state of Goiás, Brazil. A structured questionnaire containing sociodemographic, occupational, lifestyle, clinical and laboratory variables was applied. The Brief Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (B-TOFHLA) assessed the HL level. Results: The prevalence of limited HL was 34.1%. In the bivariate analysis, higher prevalences of limited HL were observed in elementary school [prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.85; confidence interval (95%CI) 1.13-3.06], lowest monthly family income PR = 2.00; 95%CI 1.17-3.43), not having internet access at home (PR = 1.83; 95%CI 1.07-3.10) and not working (PR = 2.29; 95%CI 1.12 -4.68). In the final multivariate model, the following remained associated with limited HL: having primary education (PR: 1.72; 95%CI 1.04-2.83) and not working (PR: 2.14; 95%CI 1.05-4,35). Having completed primary education and not working increased the prevalence of limited HL by 72% and more than twice, respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of limited HL in the studied population is associated with greater socioeconomic vulnerability.