Health Literacy a Public Health Challenge for Asthma Control in Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: The present study was designed to measure functional health literacy among asthmatic patients in Pakistan. Method:A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used to assess health literacy among asthmatic patients in twin cities of Pakistan. A pre-validated data collection tool S-TOFHLA (short test of functional health literacy in adults) was distributed to a sample of 382 asthmatic patients selected by convenience sampling technique. After data collection, data was cleaned coded and entered in SPSS 21. Chi-square test (p ≥ 0.05) was performed to find out the association among different variables. Results:The correct knowledge of health literacy regarding different parameters of x-ray preparation among asthmatic patients was: x-ray purpose (n=345, 90.3%), instruction before x-ray (n=381, 99.7%), timing of x-ray (n=382, 100%) & diet plan before x-ray (n=382, 100%). Significant association (p ≥ 0.05) among health literacy and different demographics such as age, gender, qualification, duration of diagnosis and income level in asthmatic patients was observed. Conclusion:The present study concluded that asthmatic patients had marginal functional health literacy. They had difficulty reading, understanding, and interpreting most health materials. They were likely to take their medications incorrectly or failing to take prescribed diets or treatment regimens.Practice Implications: Healthcare facilities of Pakistan must improve their quality of health education provided to asthmatic patients and incorporate sense of responsibility of patient counseling among physicians.