Disease-Specific health literacy in Iranian patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background and Objective: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive and chronic illness with substantial somatic, emotional, and social magnitudes that negatively affect the patient’s quality of life. The purpose of this study was to assess the disease-specific health literacy (DSHL) of patients with COPD and some of the influencing factors. Materials and Methods: A descriptive correlational study was carried out from May to December 2019. A total of 270 patients with COPD were enrolled in this study from those who were referred to Shahid-Beheshti Hospital in Kashan, Iran. The Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Knowledge Questionnaire (COPD-Q) was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics, Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficient, analysis of variance, and linear regression analysis were employed for data analysis. Results: The average age of the patients was 59.48±13.31 years and they had COPD for an average of 3.47±3.85 years. The mean DSHL score was 4.32±1.89. Conclusion: DSHL of patients with COPD was at a low level. Healthcare workers are suggested to design and implement effective interventions to expand the DSHL of patients with COPD.