Social Determinants of Health Literacy Among Patients Admitted to Surgical Oncology Departments: A Descriptive-Correlational Study

Authors

  • Maria Manuela Henriques Pereira Ferreira Escola Superior de Saúde Norte da Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa, Oliveira de Azeméis, Portugal; Rede de Investigação para a Saúde: RISE-Health, Porto, Portugal; Escola Superior de Saúde Norte da Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa, Unidade de Investigação e Desenvolvimento, Oliveira de Azeméis, Portugal; Unidade Local de Saúde da Região de Aveiro, Unidade de Saúde Pública, Aveiro, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0019-9534
  • Sandra Conceição Reis Pádua Cruz Instituto Português de Oncologia de Coimbra, Medicina Nuclear, Coimbra, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9609-9708
  • Cláudia Bernardes Matos Dias Unidade Local de Saúde entre Douro e Vouga, Unidade de Cuidados na Comunidade de Oliveira de Azeméis, Oliveira de Azeméis, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2057-2148
  • Sandra Ferreira Santos Instituto Português de Oncologia de Coimbra, Especialidades Cirúrgicas, Coimbra, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3148-1893
  • Elsa Clara Zagalo Miranda Instituto Português de Oncologia de Coimbra, Especialidades Cirúrgicas, Coimbra, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0532-797X
  • Diana Patrícia Monteiro Oliveira Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Serviço de Medicina Intensiva, Coimbra, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8284-591X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12707/RVI24.89.37361

Keywords:

health literacy, oncology service, hospital, social determinants of health, observational study

Abstract

Background: Health literacy (HL) refers to an individual’s ability to access, understand, and use information to make the best choices for maintaining and improving their health.

Objective: To characterize the HL levels of patients admitted to a surgical oncology department and examine the association between HL levels and social characteristics.

Methodology: This observational, cross-sectional, descriptive-correlational study included a sample of 188 patients admitted to a surgical oncology department between May and September 2020. Data were collected using a form for social characterization and HL assessment.

Results: On average, participants had a problematic HL level. HL levels were influenced by factors such as age, gender, educational attainment, and self-perceived economic status.

Conclusion: This study contributes to a better understanding of the determinants influencing HL and highlights the need for further research in this area to inform health policies and decision-making.

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References

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Published

2025-06-18

How to Cite

Ferreira, M. M. H. P., Cruz, S. C. R. P. ., Dias, C. B. M. ., Santos, S. F., Miranda, E. C. Z. ., & Oliveira, D. P. M. . (2025). Social Determinants of Health Literacy Among Patients Admitted to Surgical Oncology Departments: A Descriptive-Correlational Study. Journal of Nursing Referência, 6(4), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.12707/RVI24.89.37361

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Research Articles