Health literacy and modifiable risk factors of a stroke

Abstract

Introduction: Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in European countries. Prevention and the associated health literacy are among the effective tools for reducing the incidence of this disease and serve to reduce its consequences. Goal: To examine the relationship between socioeconomic factors of health literacy and modifiable risk factors in connection with ischemic stroke. Methods: A quantitative survey strategy. The research was conducted using the technique of a standardized controlled interview between the interviewer and the respondent. The research group included 1,004 citizens. A combination of a standardized overall health literacy questionnaire (HLSQ-16) and a non-standardized stroke prevention questionnaire was used to collect data. Results: Most citizens of the Czech Republic (58.5%) have sufficient health literacy. Problematic health literacy is reported by 29.2% of respondents. The remaining 13.3% of respondents have inadequate health literacy. Nevertheless, the results show that a large part of the population has problematic health literacy in areas such as good lifestyle, smoking, alcohol consumption and, last but not least, physical activity. Conclusions: Recognition of these factors can then be suitable for preventive measures. Effective interventions focused directly on risk factors will enable a change in the thinking and attitudes of risky groups of the population.

Evaluation of the health literacy in patients with stroke and relationship between health literacy and functional status on quality of life in patients with stroke

“…25 Although there is no clear study explaining the relationship between stroke and HL, reducing certain modifiable risk factors with the level of HL may establish a strong link between stroke and HL. 26 Additionally, high HL levels are important for successful stroke management. 27 In a study by Pien et al 28 low HL levels were found to be higher in patients with a history of stroke.…”

Relationships between stroke prevalence, health literacy, and oral health-related quality of life in middle-aged and older adults: a national survey study

“…Research has indicated neurobiological factors (rather than the psychological response to disability) as the main factors associated with depression after a stroke [ 43 ]. Health literacy is a modifiable risk factor for ischemic stroke [ 44 ]. Jeong and Cha reported that patients’ interest in health ( p < 0.001), health literacy ( p = 0.037), age ( p = 0.001), and caregiver gender ( p = 0.028) are significant factors influencing the health behavior of patients with stroke [ 45 ].…”

“…Health literacy is a modifiable risk factor for ischemic stroke [44]. Jeong and Cha reported that patients' interest in health (p < 0.001), health literacy (p = 0.037), age (p = 0.001), and caregiver gender (p = 0.028) are significant factors influencing the health behavior of patients with stroke [45].…”

Medication non-adherence and associated factors among older adult stroke survivors in China

“…This may be attributable to the fact that low health literacy is associated with less understanding of prescribed medication instructions ( Mayo-Gamble and Mouton, 2018 ) and problems in using preventive services ( Stormacq et al, 2019 ). As health literacy is considered the most important modifiable risk factor of socioeconomic differences in health ( šedová et al, 2021 ), future work should investigate tailored interventions considering health literacy among older adult stroke survivors.…”