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Musculoskeletal Health Literacy in Patients With Foot and Ankle Injuries: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Comprehension
- Source :
- Footankle specialist. 9(1)
- Publication Year :
- 2015
-
Abstract
- Purpose. Approximately 33% of Americans have inadequate health literacy, which is associated with decreased medical knowledge, increased hospitalization and use of emergency care, and worse control of diseases. In this study, the Literacy in Musculoskeletal Problems (LiMP) questionnaire was used to evaluate the prevalence of limited musculoskeletal literacy in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with foot and ankle–related complaints, as these individuals may be at increased risk for inferior outcomes. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, individuals ≥18 years of age presenting with foot and ankle–related complaints to the ED were invited to participate. Participants completed a demographic survey and the LiMP questionnaire, with scores ≥6 indicative of adequate musculoskeletal literacy. The prevalence of adequate health literacy and the influence of demographic parameters was assessed. P values .05). However, Caucasians and those with higher levels of education (equal to or more than college) were significantly more likely to possess adequate literacy ( P = .008, P = .04, respectively). Conclusions. Approximately one third of patients presenting to the ED with foot and ankle–related complaints have limited musculoskeletal literacy and may lack the necessary skills required for making informed decisions regarding their care. This is concerning and has tremendous socioeconomic implications, as more than 23 000 people per day require medical care for ankle sprains in the United States, with average treatment costs for this injury in the ED setting estimated at $1498. Identification of those most at risk is thus crucial and will facilitate the development of interventions geared toward those most vulnerable. Levels of Evidence: Prognostic, Level IV study
- Subjects :
- Adult
Male
medicine.medical_specialty
Cross-sectional study
Limp
media_common.quotation_subject
Poison control
Health literacy
Literacy
Occupational safety and health
03 medical and health sciences
0302 clinical medicine
Surveys and Questionnaires
Injury prevention
medicine
Humans
Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
030212 general & internal medicine
Ankle Injuries
Podiatry
Foot Injuries
media_common
030222 orthopedics
business.industry
Emergency department
Health Literacy
Cross-Sectional Studies
Physical therapy
Surgery
Female
medicine.symptom
business
Comprehension
Emergency Service, Hospital
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 19387636
- Volume :
- 9
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Footankle specialist
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....0ef2cbce3c7aad0e215591eb6775f993