The Relationship Between Health Literacy Levels and Early Postoperative Pain, Nausea-vomiting in Patients Undergoing Total Hip Replacement Surgery: A Descriptive and Correlational Study

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to determine the relationship between the health literacy levels of patients who underwent total hip replacement surgery and their early postoperative pain, nausea, and vomiting levels.

Design

Descriptive correlation design was used in this prospective study.

Methods

A total of 80 patients participated in the study. Data were collected using the Descriptive Characteristics Form, Turkish Health Literacy Scale-32, Visual Analog Scale for Pain Intensity, and Visual Analog Scale for Nausea and Vomiting Intensity.

Findings

A majority (57.5%) of the patients who underwent total hip replacement surgery had inadequate health literacy (23.80 ± 12.79), and female patients and those with higher education levels had higher health literacy (P < .05). There was no significant relationship between the health literacy levels of patients who underwent total hip replacement surgery and their levels of pain and nausea-vomiting.

Conclusions

The recovery process after total hip replacement surgery is lengthy, and discharge education is crucial. We recommend that future studies are conducted on larger populations regarding health literacy, which involves understanding, interpreting, expressing, and comprehending information that affects individuals’ health.