Hospital Practices and Research

Abstract Background: Treatment adherence is a critical factor in controlling symptoms and determining the success of treatment in chronic disease management.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between health literacy levels and adherence to pharmacological treatment in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 196 patients. The mean age of participants was 47.35 ± 15.95 years. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were recorded. Health literacy levels were assessed using the Türkiye Health Literacy-32 (THL-32) Scale. Medication adherence to the pharmacological treatment was assessed using the Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS).
Results: THL-32 and MARS scores were compared according to the demographic characteristics, and a significant difference was found between the education level and place of residence groups. A multivariate regression model was used to assess the connection between them. Health literacy was found to be 3.88 times higher in urban areas compared to rural areas, 4.12 times higher in those with high school education compared to primary school, and 4.39 times higher in those with higher education compared to other levels. In terms of medication adherence, it was found to be 4.18 times higher in urban areas compared to rural areas, 3.1 times higher in those with high school education compared to primary school, and 3.6 times higher in those with higher education compared to other levels.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that health literacy is positively associated with medication adherence in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. These findings highlight the importance of focusing on health literacy to improve adherence to treatment. Health professionals should prioritize enhancing health literacy to support better disease self-management and treatment outcomes.

Abstract Background: Health Literacy (HL) is closely related to health status. Measuring public HL levels helps to warn about health status and manage health problems through timely interventions. The items of relevant evaluation tools are complex and numerous in Iran, and there is no recognized HL brief scale for the whole population.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to translate the Health Literacy Scale Short-Form (12-item) (HLS-SF12) and test the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the HLS-SF12 in the Iranian population.
Methods: This research was descriptive with a psychometrics aim. The research population included 289 male and female students from four faculties of Islamic Azad University of Dezful, who were selected using a random sampling method. The Persian version of HLS-SF12 was used to collect data. The construct validity (exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis) and internal reliability of the instrument were evaluated. The research data was analyzed using SPSS-26 and AMOS-26 software.
Results: The Cronbach's alpha reliability of the HLS-SF12 and subscales were in the range of 0.72 to 0.88. Exploratory factor analysis confirmed the existence of three factors in HLS-SF12. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the original three-factor model of the questionnaire, and fit indices indicated a good model fit index for Persian HLS-SF12 (GFI=0.961, CFI=0.974, IFI=0.966, TLI=0.971, and RMSEA=0.073).
Conclusion: The Persian version of HLS-SF12 has good reliability and validity, and can be used as a tool to evaluate the HL of Iranian students. In addition, due to the strength of the structure and having appropriate psychometric specifications, HLS-SF12 had the capability to be used by researchers.

Abstract Background: Health literacy involves the ability to obtain, comprehend, and use essential information and services to make informed decisions in various life contexts. Spiritual health literacy, specifically, relates to applying principles that foster a balanced and harmonious relationship with oneself and others.
Objectives: This study aims to explore the outcomes of spiritual health literacy among students.
Methods: The present study is a qualitative research of thematic analysis type. The data collection tool was a semi-structured interview conducted with 13 experts selected through purposive sampling. Thematic analysis involving descriptive coding, interpretive coding, and integration through overarching themes was used to analyze the interviews.
Results: Based on the interviews conducted with experts and the subsequent coding, eight main themes and 28 sub-themes were identified under the consequences of spiritual health literacy among university students in Gonabad city in Iran. These themes include self-management skills, self-awareness, self-control, problem-solving, personal development, social development, and cultural development.
Conclusion: The results of this study reveal the significant outcomes of spiritual health literacy among students, showing that it has a multifaceted impact on their personal and social development. Accordingly, incorporating various aspects of spiritual health literacy into educational policy is of particular importance.