Association between Health Literacy and Medication Adherence in Patients with Cirrhosis

Aims: Health literacy is a critical factor in achieving good health, as it plays a central role in health and healthcare. Another important factor affecting health outcomes is medication adherence, especially in patients with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between health literacy and medication adherence in patients with cirrhosis. Instruments & Methods: This was a descriptive study on 141 cirrhosis patients from two teaching hospitals in Iraq between December 2022 and April 2023, recruited using a convenience sampling method. Data collection was carried out using three self-report questionnaires, including demographic characteristics, the All Aspects of Health Literacy Scale, and the Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 16. Findings: Most patients (92.90%) exhibited non-adherence to medication, with a medication adherence score of more than 16. Additionally, 75.88% of patients demonstrated a low level of health literacy. A positive and significant correlation was observed between medication adherence and total health literacy score (r=0.358, p<0.001). Conclusion: The majority of patients exhibit low health literacy and non-adherence to medications.

Association between Health Literacy and Medication Adherence in Patients with Cirrhosis Keywords:

Health Literacy , Medication Adherence , Liver Cirrhosis