In a recent study, researchers evaluated health literacy (the ability to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions) and its impact on medication adherence (taking medications as directed) and quality of life among patients with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE). Findings showed that although many had poor health literacy, those with higher health literacy had higher medication adherence and better quality of life.
The study involved 48 people with cSLE, ages 10-24 years old. Researchers assessed participants’ health literacy using two common measurement tools, the Brief Health Literacy Screen (BHLS) and the Latest Vital Signs (NVS). Each participant completed a questionnaire measuring medication adherence and quality of life (pain and distress, daily activities, treatments, worries, and communication). They were also asked how they would like to receive educational information about their diagnosis, medications, etc.
The researchers found that two-thirds (67%) of people reported poor health literacy on the BHLS and almost half (42%) reported poor health literacy on the NVS, but better medication adherence and quality of life were associated with higher BHLS scores.
Lupus tends to be more aggressive and severe in children and teens than in adults, and it often has long-term effects. This study suggests that increased attention to health literacy may help improve outcomes in this population. Learn more about childhood lupus.
Read the study
