Health literacy in relation to health outcomes in hypertension: A systematic review
Niki Mourouti, Maria Michou, Vassiliki Costarelli
Abstract
The article aims at presenting scientific evidence on the possible role of Health Literacy (HL) on hypertension health outcomes. Original-research studies published in English from January 1st 1990 to February 28th 2021, were selected through a computer-assisted literature search, using specific key words relating to hypertension and HL. Studies in full text, on adult hypertensive patients, were included. Out of the 56 articles reviewed, 29 publications met the criteria for inclusion. Twenty-four studies were cross-sectional, 2 studies were interventions and there was 1 study from each of the following categories: randomised control trial (RCT), retrospective study and a non-randomised prospective cohort trial. The findings differ according to the design of the study, however, there seems to be good evidence that higher HL is usually associated with better blood pressure control, better hypertension knowledge, better medication adherence and higher levels of health-related quality of life of the participants. There is evidence that health literacy levels positively affect hypertension health outcomes.