Examining the association of health literacy and health behaviors in African American older adults: does health literacy affect adherence to antihypertensive regimens?

Health literacy is the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand the health information needed to make appropriate health decisions. The health behaviors of African American adults with inadequate health literacy skills affect their health outcomes. This study examined the association of health literacy and adherence behaviors in African American older adults (N = 121) with hypertension using a descriptive correlational design. Health literacy was measured using the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine survey, and adherence was measured using the Hill-Bone Compliance Scale. Most of the participants were functioning with inadequate health literacy. No statistically significant association was found between health literacy and adherence, but regression analysis showed that age and health status significantly predicted adherence: Those who were younger and reported poor or fair health status were less likely to adhere to treatment. Copyright 2013, SLACK Incorporated.