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Characterizing Health Literacy and Its Correlates Among Individuals With Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): A TBI Model Systems Study.

Authors :
Sander AM
Pappadis MR
Juengst SB
Leon-Novelo L
Ngan E
Corrigan JD
Dreer LE
Driver S
Lequerica AH
Source :
The Journal of head trauma rehabilitation [J Head Trauma Rehabil] 2024 Mar-Apr 01; Vol. 39 (2), pp. 95-102. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Mar 18.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Objective: To characterize health literacy among individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) at least a year postinjury and to explore its relationship to sociodemographic variables, injury severity, and cognition.<br />Setting: Community following discharge from inpatient rehabilitation.<br />Participants: In total, 205 individuals with complicated mild to severe TBI who completed follow-up as part of a national longitudinal study of TBI and completed a web-based health literacy measure.<br />Design: Multicenter, cross-sectional, observational study.<br />Main Measures: Health Literacy Assessment Using Talking Touchscreen Technology.<br />Results: Thirty-one percent of the sample demonstrated marginal/inadequate health literacy; 69% demonstrated adequate health literacy. A higher proportion of non-Hispanic White adults had adequate health literacy than non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic adults. Individuals with greater than a high school education were more likely to have adequate health literacy than those with a high school education or less. Better executive functioning performance was related to adequate health literacy. Better episodic memory performance was related to adequate health literacy, but only for those with complicated mild to moderate injury.<br />Conclusions: A substantial proportion of individuals with TBI have marginal/inadequate health literacy, which may impact their understanding, appreciation, and use of health-related information and recommendations. While low health literacy may be preexisting, directly related to TBI, or a combination of both, it should be screened and considered by professionals when communicating with persons with TBI. Healthcare providers should tailor their communication approaches and presentation of health information, particularly for those with low health literacy.<br />Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interests.<br /> (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1550-509X
Volume :
39
Issue :
2
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
The Journal of head trauma rehabilitation
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
38529906
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1097/HTR.0000000000000913