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 ۱۴۱ cirrhosis patients from two teaching hospitals in Iraq between December ۲۰۲۲ and April ۲۰۲۳, 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 ۱۶. Findings: Most patients (۹۲.۹۰%) exhibited non-adherence to medication, with a medication adherence score of more than ۱۶. Additionally, ۷۵.۸۸% 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=۰.۳۵۸, p<۰.۰۰۱). Conclusion: The majority of patients exhibit low health literacy and non-adherence to medications.

Keywords:

Health Literacy , Medication Adherence , Liver Cirrhosis