HEALTH LITERACY WITHIN AND FOR THE ELDERLY PEOPLE: RESULTS FROM QUANTITATIVE STUDY IN THE OPORTO DISTRICT

The concept of health literacy has caught the attention and interest of many scientific fields, such as Medicine, Nursing, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, and Economics. Research in the eld of Health has shown that individuals that are literated in health are more able to develop behaviors that effectively promote their health, because they easily understand the information provided by professionals regarding preventive care and treatment options. In contrast, people with a lower level of literacy tend to show a greater dif culty in prevention and management of health problems, adopting various risk behaviors. Elderly people are among the most vulnerable population groups in terms of health literacy degree, and are also those with lower academic quali cations. This study aimed to assess the level of health literacy among elderly people, through a quantitative method. The sample consisted of 456 elderly people, from the Oporto district, with an average age of 75 years old, mostly female, and with heterogeneous levels of education. The instrument used was a battery of tests in order to assess the degree of health literacy (Newest Vital Sign), and the quality of life (WHOQOL). The results have shown inadequate health literacy, although the male and the married participants had higher average levels compared to females and widowers. These results depend also on age and on the educational level. This research concludes that it is urgent to enhance health literacy within the elderly population in general, and among the most vulnerable groups in particular, by changing both elderly people’s attitudes and professional practices.