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Health Literacy Among Patients Diagnosed With Movement Disorders: A Pilot Study
Author(s) -
ArmisteadJehle Patrick,
Cifu David X.,
Wetzel Ryan,
Carne William,
Klanchar Lynn A.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
pmandr
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.617
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1934-1563
pISSN - 1934-1482
DOI - 10.1016/j.pmrj.2009.05.008
Subject(s) - medicine , health literacy , health care , literacy , gerontology , physical therapy , family medicine , psychiatry , psychology , pedagogy , economics , economic growth
Objective The study sought to examine the functional health literacy in a sample of geriatric patients diagnosed with movement disorders. The hypothesis was that the study group would demonstrate marginal levels of health literacy scores on a standardized health literacy instrument. Design/Setting The study used a prospective analysis of patients referred to an outpatient movement disorders clinic in a Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Patients Fifty‐four men with a movement disorder volunteered for the study, with data analysis conducted on 44 of these patients. Main Outcome Measurements The primary outcome measure was the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (TOFHLA). Results Members of the current sample demonstrated adequate health literacy and scored significantly higher on the TOFHLA relative to the measure's normative sample. Younger age, more education, and higher Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE) scores were predictive of health literacy. Conclusions The extant literature strongly suggests that limited health literacy is a frequent problem across the United States and represents a considerable obstacle to the effective delivery of health care. In a group of movement disorder subjects with a Folstein MMSE of at least 24, health literacy was generally well preserved. Years with movement disorder and severity of disorder did not impact health literacy. Thus, practitioners should not be prejudiced in a belief that individuals with movement disorders cannot manage their medications.