Social Determinants of Health Literacy Among Patients Admitted to Surgical Oncology Departments: A Descriptive-Correlational Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12707/RVI24.89.37361Keywords:
health literacy, oncology service, hospital, social determinants of health, observational studyAbstract
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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