Functional health literacy and knowledge of renal patients on pre-dialytic treatment

to analyze the functional health literacy (FHL), i.e., understanding and knowledge about chronic renal disease of 60 patients in pre-dialytic treatment.

this is a cross-sectional study. FHL was measured by B-TOFHLA; and the knowledge, by questionnaire. Pearson correlation and Chi-square tests were carried out as well as linear regression models.

all respondents presented inadequate FHL, and most showed insufficient knowledge about the disease and treatment. Low schooling was a predictive factor for worst FHL scores. Insufficient knowledge was related to age and compromised cognition.

although association between predictive variables has not been found, limited capability to obtain and use health-related information and insufficient knowledge about their own condition and treatment can contribute to worse outcomes for CKD. Appropriate intervention strategies are necessary to deal with limited FHL and also greater knowledge and ability of professionals to deal with the matter.