Identifying health literacy levels and modifiable risk factors in adults with cardiovascular disease

Background: Challenges for adults with cardiovascular disease include rehospitalisation, decrease in quality of life and poor compliance related to health literacy.

Objectives: To evaluate the Heart Foundation’s Managing my heart health booklet. This study will identify health literacy levels of adults with cardiovascular disease using the REALM R test; identify participants reaction to the booklet; its effect on their cardiovascular health literacy; and its impact on their modifiable cardiovascular risk factors.

Design: Qualitative longitudinal study. Phase 1: REALM-R test; demographic data and cardiovascular health knowledge questionnaire. Follow up at 12 weeks: Participants feedback to Managing my heart health booklet; Assessment of behaviour modification; Assessment of cardiovascular health knowledge questionnaire.

Setting: Community Participants: Adults living independently in the community with a history of cardiovascular disease who have attended the pre-admission unit at St Vincent’s Private Hospital in Sydney.

Results: We recruited 88 participants with an average age of 63 years and a history of cardiovascular disease. We identified 25% of participants scored 6 or less on the REALM R test placing them at risk for poor literacy.

Conclusion: Health literacy levels affect cardiovascular disease management. Identifying individuals at risk for poor literacy and modifying the delivery of disease management information to the needs of the person has the potential to promote health literacy. Incorporating health literacy assessment of individuals within cardiovascular disease management programs is warranted.