HEALTH LITERACY AND HEALTH CARE UTILIZATION PATTERNS IN MIDDLE AGE ADULTS IN PAKISTAN

OBJECTIVES: No practical and theoretical pattern for identifying health literacy and its utilizationpatterns exist. Health literacy is referring to the ability to read and perform numerical tasks'. Thisstudy’s objective was to recognize useful clinically questions that might be effective for theidentification of marginal and inadequate health literacy in adults.MATERIAL AND METHODS: In person interviews from a sample of n=332 middle age adults (28-40years) completed. A 5 point likert scale questionnaire include 16 literacy screening questionsadministered, followed by a validated health measure, the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy inAdults (STOHFLA). Grounded on the STOHFLA men were categorized as having inadequate,marginal, and adequate health literacy. Health care utilization pattern were identified in a separatequestionnaire through 10 close ended questions.RESULTS: Inadequate health literacy accounts for 42%, marginal health literacy 14% and adequatehealth literacy for 44% of the participants. 23% of the participants do not go to visit the hospital anddoctor in minor health related issues. 29% of the participants use over the counter drugs, and only 48%of the participants visit health facilities (Community Health Center, BHU, RHCs, THQ, DHQ) for theirhealth related issues.CONCLUSION:Health literacy and health care utilization are not so common in middle age adults inPakistan. The need of health literacy must be addressed in middle age adults, and it is possible when thehealth care facilities are fully utilized.KEYWORDS:Heallh Literacy, Healthcare Utilization, Community Health Center, Basic health Unit,Rural Health Center