HEALTH LITERACY AND HEALTH CARE UTILIZATION PATTERNS IN MIDDLE AGE ADULTS IN PAKISTAN

Authors

  • UMAR ALEEM
  • NOOR KHAN
  • ZAKRIA ZAKAR
  • ROBEENA ZAKAR
  • SHAMAILA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52206/jsmc.2016.6.2.821-826

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: No practical and theoretical pattern for identifying health literacy and its utilization
patterns exist. Health literacy is referring to the ability to read and perform numerical tasks'. This
study’s objective was to recognize useful clinically questions that might be effective for the
identification of marginal and inadequate health literacy in adults.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: In person interviews from a sample of n=332 middle age adults (28-
40years) completed. A 5 point likert scale questionnaire include 16 literacy screening questions
administered, followed by a validated health measure, the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in
Adults (STOHFLA). Grounded on the STOHFLA men were categorized as having inadequate,
marginal, and adequate health literacy. Health care utilization pattern were identified in a separate
questionnaire through 10 close ended questions.
RESULTS: Inadequate health literacy accounts for 42%, marginal health literacy 14% and adequate
health literacy for 44% of the participants. 23% of the participants do not go to visit the hospital and
doctor in minor health related issues. 29% of the participants use over the counter drugs, and only 48%
of the participants visit health facilities (Community Health Center, BHU, RHCs, THQ, DHQ) for their
health related issues.
CONCLUSION:Health literacy and health care utilization are not so common in middle age adults in
Pakistan. The need of health literacy must be addressed in middle age adults, and it is possible when the
health care facilities are fully utilized.
KEYWORDS:Heallh Literacy, Healthcare Utilization, Community Health Center, Basic health Unit,
Rural Health Center

Author Biographies

UMAR ALEEM

Department of Pharmacology, Saidu Medical College, Saidu Sharif, Swat, Pakistan.

NOOR KHAN

Institute of Social and Cultural Studies, Punjab University, Lahore Pakistan

ZAKRIA ZAKAR

Institute of Social and Cultural Studies, Punjab University, Lahore Pakistan.

ROBEENA ZAKAR

Institute of Social and Cultural Studies, Punjab University, Lahore Pakistan.

SHAMAILA

Medical Officer, Saidu Teaching Hospital, Saidu Sharif Swat, Pakistan

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How to Cite

1.
UMAR ALEEM, NOOR KHAN, ZAKRIA ZAKAR, ROBEENA ZAKAR, SHAMAILA. HEALTH LITERACY AND HEALTH CARE UTILIZATION PATTERNS IN MIDDLE AGE ADULTS IN PAKISTAN. J Saidu Med Coll [Internet]. 2016 Dec. 29 [cited 2026 Nov. 10];6(2):821-6. Available from: http://jsmc.pk/index.php/jsmc/article/view/391

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 2 (2016): Journal of Saidu Medical College

Section

Original Article

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