Relationship between health literacy and disease-specific quality of life in patients with sinonasal disease

Background:: Patients with limited health literacy tend to have worse medical outcomes, often due to decreased medication compliance or reduced capacity to self-manage disease. Health literacy can be assessed using validated tools such as the Brief health literacy screening tool (BRIEF). This study theorizes that lower health literacy is associated with worse sinonasal disease quality of life (QOL).

Methods:: A cohort of 187 patients at our clinic were routinely screened for health literacy and rhinosinusitis disability index (RSDI) scores. Health literacy is categorized into “Limited,” “Marginal,” and “Adequate.” The higher the RSDI, the worse the patient’s QOL. Patients were stratified into “New” and “Established” groups. Their demographic data and sinonasal disease-specific QOL were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the relationship between health literacy and Sinonasal Disease-specific QOL.

Results:: The cohort mean age was 50 years, and 56% were females. In “New” patients, “Limited” health literacy was associated with an increase in RSDI scores (p<0.0001).

Conclusion:: This study demonstrates that patients with limited health literacy have a worse sinonasal disease-specific QOL. Therefore, rhinologists must be aware of this discrepancy and tailor their care appropriately to help patients with limited health literacy.