Access to Health Services by the Parents of Individuals with Intellectual Disability according to their Health Literacy Levels

Authors : Kamer GÜR, Rıza DANIŞ, Ali Can DERİNSU, Ahmet TURAN, Zahide AKSOY, Atila TUNCEL

Pages : 754-761

Doi:10.33808/clinexphealthsci.881581

View : 27 | Download : 9

Publication Date : 2021-10-26

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective: Health literacy is designated as a “Social Barrier” to accessing health services. The aim of the study health literacy insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(HL); levels of the parents of intellectually disabled individuals are determinants of their access to health services. Methods: The universe of this descriptive study consists of the parents of individuals with intellectual disability insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(N:118);.Data collection instruments used in the study were the Health Literacy Scale for Turkey-32 and an Access to Health Services Assessment Questionnaire. Ethics Committee permission and approvals were obtained. Results: A statistically significant difference was found between the caregivers’ HL levels and their knowing how to benefit from health services insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(HS);, their ability to understand the information given to them by health personnel, their ability to correctly communicate their needs, their access to HS and to adequate information, their ability to understand the information gathered, to get an appointment from health institutions, their giving up due to the difficulties they faced in obtaining an appointment, and their physically being unable to reach health services insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(<.001);. Conclusion: The HL levels of many of the participants were limited and inadequate. Those with high levels of HL were better able to access health information resources, health facilities and services compared to those with low levels of HL.
Keywords : intellectual disability, parent caregiver, health literacy, acces to health services, policy