The relationship between caregivers' health literacy and the behavior of women with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Introduction: Patients have to change their behavior due to increased self-care needs. Also, family caregivers due to their critical role in rehabilitation of patients with physical and mental disabilities, can help patients to improve their abilities. This study was performed with aim to determine the relationship between the caregivers' health literacy and the behavior of patients with Multiple Sclerosis. Methods: This descriptive correlational study was performed on 76 women with MS and 76 caregivers in Bojnourd in 2016. Collection of data related to MS women were performed by using demographic information questionnaire, Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults [TOFHLA] health literacy and patient behavior assessment. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 16), and Pearson and spearman correlation and regression tests. P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: In this study, the mean level of health literacy was 64.26 ± 13.95, that 24 cases (15.8%) had enough health literacy, 40 (52.6%) had borderline health literacy and 12 (31.6%) inadequate health literacy. The mean score of behavior was 23.67 ± 5.89. Correlation test showed a positive and significant relationship between caregivers' health literacy and the behavior of women with MS (P<0.001,r=0.35). Conclusion: The level of caregivers' health literacy was borderline and inadequate that can be as a warning to health care providers, so it is necessary that more pay attention to health literacy in health promotion programs

Keywords

• family caregivers
• health literacy
• multiple sclerosis