Downloads: 0
Research Paper | Pathology | Volume 15 Issue 5, May 2026 | Pages: 1176 - 1181 | India
Study of Medical Information Comprehension in Patients with Low Health Literacy: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Health literacy is an important determinant of patient understanding, treatment adherence, healthcare utilization, and clinical outcomes. Patients with low health literacy often face difficulty understanding medical instructions, prescription labels, informed consent forms, and disease-related information, leading to poor health outcomes and increased healthcare burden. Aim: To study medical information comprehension among patients with low health literacy attending a tertiary care hospital. Objectives: 1) To assess the level of health literacy among adult patients. 2) To evaluate comprehension of medical information in patients with low health literacy. 3) To identify socio-demographic factors associated with poor medical information comprehension. 4) To determine the relationship between educational status and health literacy. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 300 adult patients attending outpatient departments of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Health literacy was assessed using the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (S-TOFHLA). Medical information comprehension was evaluated using a structured questionnaire containing prescription instructions, appointment slips, and informed consent-related information. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and logistic regression. Results: Among 300 participants, 42% demonstrated inadequate health literacy. Patients with low health literacy showed significantly poorer comprehension of prescription instructions, dosage schedules, and follow-up advice (p < 0.001). Low educational status, advanced age, rural residence, and lower socioeconomic status were significantly associated with poor comprehension. Conclusion: Low health literacy significantly impairs patients? ability to comprehend medical information. Simplified communication strategies and patient-cantered educational interventions are essential to improve healthcare outcomes.
Keywords: Health literacy, medical comprehension, patient education, healthcare communication, low literacy
How to Cite?: Dr. Rashmi Deshmukh, Dr. Neeraj Kumari, Dr. Shilpi Sahu, Dr. Abhinav Bhusari, "Study of Medical Information Comprehension in Patients with Low Health Literacy: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study", Volume 15 Issue 5, May 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1176-1181, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26519222302, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26519222302