Evaluation of communication between healthcare workers and patients with chronic diseases according to their levels of health literacy

Health literacy is defined as the extent to which an individual is able to obtain, process and understand basic health information. Thus, the purpose of this study was to Examined how health workers communicate with patients according to their level of health literacy in Mashhad health centers. A cross-sectional survey of 240 patients by chronic disease was conducted in Mashhad. The method of sampling was Multi-stage Random Sampling. Health literacy was measured using the Test of Chew’s Screening Questions and Health‐literacy “friendliness” associated with Adult Primary Care Questionnaire. Data was collected and analyzed by SPSS software. The mean age of subjects was 05/1±7/52. Approximately 4/50% had limited and others had marginal health literacy skills. The findings of this study showed a significantly correlation between inadequate health literacy and the poorest ratings to communication were observed(P<001/0). Low health literacy is more prevalent in patients (%4/50). Patients with inadequate health literacy experienced lower quality and clarity of health center communication along multiple domains. Explanation of patients’ problems was, explanation of care processes, inadequate attention to people talking, fast talking ,lack of response to concerns, inadequate usage of visual media ,feedback, and poor opportunity to ask questions. More attention to assess health literacy and use effective health communication is warranted in the health center .