Health literacy: A social determinant of health in older adults

background and significance: Older adults (>65⁺) account for 13% of the total U.S. population and are anticipated to account for 25% of the population by 2030. Low health literacy (HL) in older adults (OA), especially those with chronic co-morbidities, is associated with poor self-management and increased clinic visits, hospitalizations, and healthcare costs. This presentation describes a baccalaureate community health nursing students’ (CHNS) clinical activity related to the assessment of HL among a group of community-dwelling OA.

methods: Prior to the beginning of a series of health education sessions, CHNS assessed the HL of the center’s OA with a simple HL screening tool. The tool assessing both reading and numeracy through a yes and no response format, takes approximately 3 minutes to complete. One point is given for each correct answer with total HL scores ranging from 0 (low) to 6 (adequate).

results: Twenty-five of the center’s 63 OA agreed to take part in the quick and simple assessment with the majority of those assessed having total scores <3 indicating limited HL. 

discussion: Post clinical conference centered on the impact of HL on OAs’ health, the importance of HL assessment to improve health outcomes, review of HL related best-practice guidelines and recommendations, and selection of specific strategies to address the HL needs of the center’s OA.

implications: Teaching students to assess and address patients’ HL results in more effective nursing care and improved patient health and health outcomes.