Poor health literacy linked to having more CAD risk factors

People with poor health literacy appear to present with more coronary artery disease (CAD)-related risk factors at the index admission, a recent study has found.

Researchers conducted a multicentre cohort analysis of 3,417 adults (mean age 65.6 years, 78 percent men) who had undergone percutaneous coronary intervention. Health literacy assessments at the index admission and at 6 months after PCI were conducted using the Health Literacy Questionnaire, which looked at both behavioural and psychological risk factors for CAD.

Linear regression analysis confirmed that several facets of health literacy were associated with CAD risk factors. For instance, having the ability to find good-quality health information was significantly and inversely correlated with body mass index (coefficient, –0.26, 95 percent confidence interval [CI], –0.47 to –0.05; p=0.016), as was being able to understand health information (coefficient, –0.38, 95 percent CI, –0.62 to –0.14; p=0.002).

Similarly, being able to find good health information (coefficient, 16.95, 95 percent CI, 11.08–22.83; p<0.001) and the capability to understand such information (coefficient, 19.64, 95 percent CI, 12.89–26.40; p<0.001) correlated with better physical activity.

All scales of health literacy were significantly correlated with intensity-adjusted physical activity, such that each 1-point increase in each scale was associated with 12–20 minutes more exercise. Health literacy likewise reduced the likelihood of being a smoker, as well as having symptoms of depression and anxiety.

“Strategies for secondary prevention that address barriers to improving modifiable risk factors due to limited health literacy are pivotal in reducing the risk of future CAD events,” the researchers said.