The role of health literacy in perceived information provision and satisfaction among women with ovarian tumors: a study from the population-based PROFILES registry

Abstract

Objective: To assess the association of subjective health literacy (HL) and education with perceived information provision and satisfaction.

Methods: Women (N=548) diagnosed with an ovarian or borderline ovarian tumor between 2000 and 2010, registered in the Eindhoven Cancer Registry, received a questionnaire including subjective HL, educational level, perceived information provision, and satisfaction with the information received. Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were performed, controlled for potential confounders.

Results: Fifty percent of the women responded (N=275). Thirteen percent had low and 41% had medium subjective HL. Women with low HL reported less perceived information provision about medical tests, and were less satisfied with the information received compared to women with high HL. Low educated women reported that they received more information about their disease compared to highly educated women.

Conclusion: Low subjective HL among women with ovarian tumors is associated with less perceived information provision about medical tests and lower information satisfaction, whereas low education is associated with more perceived information provision about the disease.

Practice implications: HL should not be overlooked as a contributing factor to patients' perceived information provision and satisfaction. Health care providers may need training about recognizing low HL.

Keywords: Borderline ovarian tumors; Cancer survivors; Health literacy; Information provision; Information satisfaction; Ovarian tumors.