Health literacy and beliefs about medicines in an obstetric population at Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH)

Abstract

Aims: The goal of this project was to assess the impact of demographic factors on both health literacy and medication beliefs and to determine the relationship between health literacy and beliefs about medicines. Methods: A randomised survey was carried out at Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH) antenatal clinic. Health literacy was measured using the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM) and the general section of the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ) was used to assess medication views. Results: The total sample size was 404. 84.65% (n=342) had adequate health literacy and the remaining 15.35% (n=62) showed marginal health literacy. Degree and postgraduate students were significantly more health literate than other groups as were the 31-35 and 36-40 groups (p<0.05). Professionals, managerial/technical and health professionals had significantly higher REALM scores. BMQ scores showed that the >40 group and the 31-35 group were significantly more positive about certain statements. Post leaving cert, degree and postgraduate groups had significantly more positive views about medicines than secondary, junior and leaving cert groups. Healthcare professionals were significantly more positive about medicines than other groups. In five of the BMQ statements a significant link was found between marginal health literacy and negative views about medicines. Conclusions: There is a significant association between the demographic factors of age, educational attainment and employment category on both health literacy and medication beliefs. Marginal health literacy is significantly associated with a more negative perception of medicines and medical professionals.