Health Literacy Among Patients Diagnosed With Movement Disorders: A Pilot Study

ObjectiveThe study sought to examine the functional health literacy in a sample of geriatric patients diagnosed with movement disorders. The hypothesis was that the study group would demonstrate marginal levels of health literacy scores on a standardized health literacy instrument.Design/SettingThe study used a prospective analysis of patients referred to an outpatient movement disorders clinic in a Veterans Affairs Medical Center.PatientsFifty-four men with a movement disorder volunteered for the study, with data analysis conducted on 44 of these patients.Main Outcome MeasurementsThe primary outcome measure was the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (TOFHLA).ResultsMembers of the current sample demonstrated adequate health literacy and scored significantly higher on the TOFHLA relative to the measure's normative sample. Younger age, more education, and higher Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE) scores were predictive of health literacy.ConclusionsThe extant literature strongly suggests that limited health literacy is a frequent problem across the United States and represents a considerable obstacle to the effective delivery of health care. In a group of movement disorder subjects with a Folstein MMSE of at least 24, health literacy was generally well preserved. Years with movement disorder and severity of disorder did not impact health literacy. Thus, practitioners should not be prejudiced in a belief that individuals with movement disorders cannot manage their medications.