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Health literacy after traumatic brain injury: characterisation and control comparison
Amelia J Hicks1, Angelle M Sander2, Dean P McKenzie3
1Monash-Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia.
Summary
Health literacy in traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors was similar to controls. Premorbid education may bolster cognitive reserve for TBI patients, aiding their health literacy. Further research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
Background:
- Health literacy in traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors remains understudied.
- Understanding health literacy is crucial for TBI patient outcomes and rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare health literacy between TBI survivors and a control group.
- To investigate associations between health literacy and demographic, injury, and cognitive factors in TBI.
- To examine the relationship between health literacy and physical/mental health outcomes in TBI.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional observational study design.
- Recruited 209 adults with TBI (mild to severe, ≥1 year post-injury) and 206 controls from an Australian outpatient research center.
- Utilized the Health Literacy Assessment Using Talking Touchscreen Technology - Short Form (Health LiTT-SF).
Main Results:
- No significant difference in health literacy was found between individuals with TBI and controls (IRR=1.31, P=0.102).
- Analysis was limited by highly skewed Health LiTT-SF data, preventing further in-depth examination.
- Premorbid education may act as a cognitive reserve, potentially supporting health literacy in TBI survivors.
Conclusions:
- Health literacy performance did not significantly differ between TBI survivors and controls based on the Health LiTT-SF measure.
- Premorbid education may be a key factor in maintaining health literacy post-TBI.
- Findings necessitate replication with diverse health literacy measures and culturally varied populations.
