Open AccessHealth Literacy and The Use of Primary Health Care Services of Inpatients with Musculoskeletal Complaints
Author(s) -
Sebahat Gücük,
Erdal Dilekçi,
Mehmet Kayhan
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
eurasian journal of family medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2147-3161
pISSN - 2147-3404
DOI - 10.33880/ejfm.2020090303
Subject(s) - polyclinic , health literacy , medicine , family medicine , health care , literacy , health education , rehabilitation , nursing , physical therapy , psychology , public health , pedagogy , economics , economic growth
Aim: Our study aimed to determine the relationship between health literacy and the use of primary health care services in our patient group, where the demand for health services is quite frequent due to their complaints.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out with 725 patients with various diagnoses of musculoskeletal disorders hospitalizing to whom physical therapy and/or rehabilitation was applied. The volunteer participants filled out a sociodemographic questionnaire which consisted of 26 questions and Adult Health Literacy Scale using face-to-face interview method. Results: The mean total score of health literacy of the participants was identified as 12.02±3.77. In terms of those who previously took medical home service before for any reason, who received counseling by the midwife, and who have consulted their family physician about their current complaints, health literacy score was found to be significantly higher than the others.Conclusion: In order to increase the level of health literacy, which is an integral part of preventive health services especially in primary health care which is the first medical contact point, training programs should be planned according to the level of people’s need and understanding in every opportunity like seeing the patient in polyclinic or giving mobile care or during health screening programs.Keywords: health literacy, health education, national health policy