Comparison of health literacy levels of patients applying to adult emergency department and primary care clinic

Authors : Rıza Gücal, Serkan Emre Eroğlu, Abdullah Algın, Mehmet Muzaffer İslam
Pages : 481-490
Doi:10.18663/tjcl.1661083
View : 35 | Download : 103
Publication Date : 2026-01-01
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :Aim: Since its introduction in the 1970s, health literacy (HL) has gained increasing significance in public health and health services, becoming even more crucial today. HL is particularly important in our country, where the number of patients in emergency departments has risen.This study aimed to evaluate and compare HL levels between patients in the emergency department (ED) green area and primary care clinic (PCC). Material and Methods: This single-center, prospective, observational survey study included outpatients classified as Canadian triage levels 4-5 and patients over 18 years old who visited the PCC. Patients were divided into subgroups based on education, occupation, and income-expense status. Results: The median age of the 480 patients included in the study was 36 years, with 205 (42.7%) being male. Of the cases, 169 (35.2%) visited the PCC, and 311 (64.8%) visited the ED. The number of ED visits among primary school graduates was significantly higher than PCC visits, while the number of PCC visits among bachelor\\\'s and master\\\'s degree graduates was significantly higher than ED visits (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.020, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in the health literacy index score (p = 0.147) between PCC and ED visits. However, the mean scores for accessing health-related information (p = 0.021) and understanding health-related information (p = 0.019) were significantly lower for those who visited the ED. Conclusions: To reduce the burden on EDs, our society should be educated on the importance of utilizing primary health care services regardless of education level, occupation, and income, alongside improving HL levels.
Keywords : Acil Servis, Sağlık Okuryazarlığı, TSOY-32

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