Relationship Between Health Literacy and Quality of Life in Patients with Hypertension

Panahi, R.; Ghorbani, S.; Sarvari, M.H.; Amjadian, M.

doi:10.58209/hehp.13.4.695

Relationship Between Health Literacy and Quality of Life in Patients with Hypertension

Authors

R. Panahi ¹

S. Ghorbani ²

M.H. Sarvari ³

M. Amjadian ⁴

¹ “Department of Public Health, Qaen Faculty of Medical Sciences” and “Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center”, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran

² Department of Nursing, Qaen Campus (Qa.C.), Islamic Azad University, Qaenat, Iran

³ Department of Nursing, Qaen Faculty of Medical Sciences, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran

⁴ “Health Metrics and Evaluation Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development” and “School of Medicine”, Kurdistan Medical Sciences University, Sanandaj, Iran

10.58209/hehp.13.4.695

Abstract

Aims: Given the increasing prevalence of hypertension and its adverse effects on the quality of life of individuals, and considering the role of health literacy in promoting personal responsibility for maintaining health, this study aimed to determine the relationship between health literacy and quality of life among patients with high blood pressure.

Instrument & Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study, 200 patients with hypertension referred to health centers in Qaen in 2024 were selected through one-stage cluster sampling. Data collection tools included demographic and background characteristics questionnaire, the short version of the Health Literacy Adult Questionnaire, and the Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 23 employing logistic regression analysis.

Findings: The mean scores for quality of life and health literacy were 24.589±3.587 (out of 48) and 55.370±3.147 (out of 100), respectively, and both were at unfavorable levels. Education level, amount of physical activity per week, and health literacy were associated with having a favorable quality of life.

Conclusion: Quality of life is lower among illiterate hypertensive patients, those with lower levels of physical activity, and those with insufficient health literacy.

Keywords

Health Literacy

Quality of Life

High Blood Pressure

Subjects