Health literacy in older adults receiving hemodialysis in Turkey: A cross‐sectional study

• Published in: Therapeutic apheresis and dialysis 2024-06, Vol.28 (3), p.380-389
• Main Authors: Uğurlu, Ziyafet, Kav, Sultan, Eler, Çiğdem Özdemir, Kaya, Semiha, Korkmaz, Yasemin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: health literacy; hemodialysis; nursing; older adults
• ISSN: 1744-9979; 1744-9987; 1744-9987
• DOI: 10.1111/1744-9987.14102

Introduction This study aimed to determine the health literacy level and related factors of older adults receiving hemodialysis treatment. Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted at the five dialysis centers, using the information form and Turkish Health Literacy Survey‐32 (THLS‐32). A total of 336 older adults receiving hemodialysis treatment participated. Results The general health literacy score was found to be 25.69 ± 14.47. Based on the health literacy assessment scores, 62.5% of the participants were in the category of inadequate and limited level of health literacy. The lower level of education, perceived health status, income, and getting help in reading and writing were statistically significant predictors of the health literacy score. Conclusion The health literacy of older adults receiving hemodialysis treatment was inadequate and limited. Findings of this study emphasize the importance of integrating health literacy assessment in clinical care settings and supporting the health literacy of older adults receiving hemodialysis treatment.