Juan Luis|Clara Rocha|J Balteiro
Assessment of Health Literacy Levels: HLS-EU-PT versus METER
Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra|Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra|Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra
abstract introduction definition concept domains well measurement allow identify health inequalities therefore focus focus professional intervention ensure equitable access health health literacy assessment tool based defined literacy concept address domains underlying theory considering public health behaviours outcomes according european consortium health literacy three dimensions literacy distinguished functional literacy interactive literacy critical literacy objectives compare health literacy levels obtained applying two different measurement tools methodology assess health literacy levels applied two tests hlseupt european health literacy survey questionnaire portugal meter medical term recognition test first quite comprehensive previously used european level selfperception second objective validated instruments applied pharmacy municipality mealhada 377 individuals resident results hlseupt presents 408 individuals adequate literacy meter classifies 491 sample difference 83 results however statistically significant relationship p 0001 meter limited assessment functional literacy levels narrow perspective concept broad health literacy context measuring literacy based word recognition limited levels health literacy found 509 individuals conclusion statistically two tests used present significant correlation although meter misclassifies individuals adequate literacy actually inadequate literacy happens often scores obtained reduced score one test high test also happens