Shoou Yih D. Lee|Tzu I. Tsai|Yi Wen Tsai
Accuracy in self-reported health literacy screening: a difference between men and women in Taiwan
University of Michigan–Ann Arbor|National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University|National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
selfreported screening questions considered effective way identify patients limited health literacy yet research shown individuals tend overreport reading level moreover likelihood overreporting may differ gender groups study examined systematic differences exist men women response selfreported screening questionsa national survey taiwan participants selected using multistage stratified probabilityproportionaltosize sampling strategya total 5682 taiwanese adults aged 18 older sampled recruited adults 3491 participated survey resulting 621 response rate gender groups equally represented final study sampleselfreported health literacy assessed using two sets questions asked difficult respondent understand written health materials often participant needed assistance others understand written health materials objective level health literacy measured using mandarin health literacy scale mhlsa significant gender difference observed among participants inadequate health literacy womens selfreport line mhls test result men significant tendency overreport comprehension health informationin taiwan screening questions prone socially desirable response may underidentify male patients inadequate health literacy development brief easytouse health literacy test may effective approach health literacy screening clinical settings alternatively clinicians verify patient comprehension health information via teach back show technique order improve communication patient care research needed examine gender differences selfreport health literacy exist countries