Evaluation of Health Literacy in Veteran Affairs Outpatient Population: A Focus on Patient Self-Perceived Health Status

Health literacy is of great importance for clinicians to maximize patient involvement and in the effective delivery of healthcare services. Health literacy driven health communication strategies may encourage appropriate and optimal use of healthcare resources and medications. We evaluated health literacy level in veterans with unique population demographics and focused on patient self-perceived health status (SPHS). Veterans (N=194) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Only 40% had poor or inadequate health literacy level. Older individuals displayed poorer health literacy level. 57.2% of the patients had good/above SPHS. Patients with good or above SPHS had 1.7 times higher (OR: 1.68, 95% CI=0.79-3.54) compared to patients with below good SPHS. Veterans with hospitalization were 11% less likely (OR=0.89) to report good or adequate health literacy level compared to those not hospitalized. Veterans with good or adequate health literacy level perceived their health status to be better than veterans with poor or inadequate health literacy. Using plain and simple language by providers while counseling patients about their disease and medications, might have a positive ripple effect on the current patient-centered care delivery. Clinicians could use a tailored approach to improve communication with patients.