Health Literacy in Veterans with Spinal Cord Injury Referred to Khatam Alanbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran

Despite the importance of health literacy in chronic diseases and its impact on health behaviors, its importance in patients with spinal cord injuries has been neglected. This study aimed to determine health literacy in veterans with spinal cord injury referred to Khatam Alanbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran.

This study was a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study. All veterans with paraplegia following spinal cord injury, who were referred to Khatam Alanbia Hospital in 2018 were our statistical research community. 200 veterans were selected and examined through the purposive sampling method based on inclusion criteria. Demographic characteristics of veterans and Iranian adult health literacy questionnaires were used to collect data.

The overall health literacy score was inadequate in 38% of the veterans. The mean score of health literacy was 51.4 ± 8.8. The aspect of access to health literacy promotion resources received the highest score and there was a significant relationship between health literacy, education, and occupation.

The data revealed that the level of health literacy of veterans with spinal cord injury is not desirable. Improving health literacy in these patients reduces the complications and promotes self-care behaviors.