Michael S. Wolf|Julie A. Gazmararian|David W. Baker
Health Literacy and Functional Health Status Among Older Adults
Institute for Healthcare Improvement|Western University|Emory University|Institute for Healthcare Improvement|Western University|Emory University|Institute for Healthcare Improvement|Western University|Emory University
individuals limited health literacy less health knowledge worse selfmanagement skills lower use preventive services higher hospitalization rates evaluated association health literacy selfreported physical mental health functioning healthrelated activity limitations among new medicare managed care enrolleesa crosssectional survey 2923 enrollees conducted cleveland ohio houston tex tampa fla fort lauderdalemiami fla health literacy measured using short form test functional health literacy adults used outcome measures included scores physical mental health functioning subscales medical outcomes study 36item shortform health survey difficulties instrumental activities daily living activities daily living limitations physical health painafter adjusting prevalence chronic conditions health risk behaviors sociodemographic characteristics individuals inadequate health literacy worse physical function 677 vs 780 p001 mental health 762 vs 840 p001 individuals adequate health literacy individuals inadequate health literacy likely report difficulties instrumental activities daily living odds ratio 225 95 confidence interval ci 174292 activities daily living 283 95 ci 162496 limitations activity physical health 179 95 ci 139232 fewer accomplishments physical health 190 95 ci 148245 pain interferes normal work activities 201 95 ci 146277among communitydwelling older adults inadequate health literacy independently associated poorer physical mental health