The role of health literacy in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review

Introduction: Health literacy is an essential indicator of health care habits and consequences. Health literacy and having the right information is effective in better managing symptoms and problems and improving the overall quality of life. This systematic review aimed to analyze previous studies and collect information on multiple sclerosis patients' health literacy. Material and Methods: The PRISMA guidelines were used to define the systematic review methods. PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect Journal, ProQuest, Wiley Online Library, SID, and Magiran databases were searched on ۱۴ January ۲۰۲۲, without restrictions in publication time. We also searched Google Scholar and Research Proposal Information System. Two independent reviewers reviewed the papers' eligibility and extract data into a spreadsheet using a structured form. Results: Of the ۱۶۵ articles retrieved, ۱۴ were eventually included in the study. All of the studies’ audiences and targets were MS patients and their families or caregivers. Four studies examined the level of health literacy of individuals. Other objectives included determining variables affecting the relationship between patients' health literacy and behaviors, comparing the effects of lecture-based teaching and peer group experience on improving patients' health literacy, and determining psychometric characteristics of the MS patient’s health literacy questionnaire. Studies assessing people's health literacy revealed that most people have an adequate or acceptable health literacy level.

Keywords:

Health Literacy , Multiple Sclerosis , Systematic Review