Health literacy and likelihood of death in community-dwelling older people

Objectives: To investigate the correlation between health literacy and the likelihood of death in ten years among community-dwelling older people; and identify whether health literacy exerts an influence on the likelihood of death in this population.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 200 community-dwelling older people. Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, health-related characteristics, health literacy and the likelihood of death in ten years.

Results: A weak and inversely proportional correlation was found between health literacy and the likelihood of death. Health literacy was associated with the likelihood of death regardless of age, sex, number of medications or recent hospitalization. Inadequate health literacy was identified in 72.5% of the participants and the average likelihood of death in 10 years was 35.4%.

Conclusions: Health literacy was associated with the likelihood of death. Health literacy, sociodemographic and health-related characteristics exert an influence on the likelihood of death.