Post-treatment Outcomes and Changes in Health Literacy of People Discharged from Specialist Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services

Health literacy comprises an individual’s ability to adequately access, understand and utilise health information, enabling effective navigation of the healthcare system. Low health literacy is a problem for people living with substance use disorders (SUDs). This study aims to examine whether health...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of mental health and addiction 2024-06, Vol.22 (3), p.1078-1095
Main Authors: Degan, Tayla J., Robinson, Laura D., Deane, Frank P., Baker, Amanda L., Kelly, Peter J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Case management
Clinical outcomes
Community and Environmental Psychology
Drug use
Emergency medical care
Health education
Health literacy
Health Psychology
Intervention
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Mental disorders
Mental health
Original Article
Psychiatry
Psychology
Public Health
Quality of life
Rehabilitation
Skills
Substance abuse treatment
Substance use disorder
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Summary:Health literacy comprises an individual’s ability to adequately access, understand and utilise health information, enabling effective navigation of the healthcare system. Low health literacy is a problem for people living with substance use disorders (SUDs). This study aims to examine whether health literacy changes for people discharged from specialist SUD treatment services. Two hundred thirty-one people recruited from residential SUD treatment services across New South Wales, Australia, completed a questionnaire upon entry into the service and again at 6 months post-treatment. Treatment outcomes were also measured. Three health literacy profiles were identified: lowest ( n  = 52, 22.5%), moderate ( n  = 111, 48.1%) and highest health literacy ( n  = 68, 29.4%). Lowest and moderate profiles showed improved health literacy at 6 months. However, the lowest profile still had significantly lower health literacy, quality of life and higher levels of psychological distress compared with participants in the highest profile at 6 months. People within the lowest health literacy profile improved, although they continued to experience lower health literacy and some poorer treatment outcomes. Health literacy interventions tailored for people within lowest health literacy profiles should be implemented and assessed for effectiveness within specialist SUD treatment services.
ISSN:1557-1874
1557-1882
DOI:10.1007/s11469-022-00915-w