Knowledge and Practice of Supporting Health Literacy for Older Adults Among Community Care Workers: A Cross-sectional Study in Community-based Integrated Support Centers

Abstract Background: Health literacy, as it relates to better decision-making and autonomy of self-care in older adults, is a growing concern. Health and care professionals play key roles in advocating and supporting health literacy of older adults. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess community care workers’ knowledge and practice of supporting health literacy among their clients. Methods: Structured questionnaires were posted to all community-based integrated support centers in two prefectures in Japan; care managers, nurses, and social workers were requested to participate in the study. Knowledge and practice of health literacy was compared based on professional qualifications. A Chi-square test was used for analyzing the differences of knowledge and practice of supporting health literacy by professional qualifications. A logistic regression was used for identifying factors associated with participants’ health literacy.Results: In total, 453 workers (care managers: 34%; nurses: 31%; and social workers: 35%) responded. Only 9% of the respondents knew the term and definition of health literacy; and nurses were more likely to perceive the importance of improving and practicing to support the health literacy of clients, compared to care managers and social workers. Less than 10% of the respondents always use teach-back methods and visual materials, which are useful communication methods for low health literacy, for communication with clients. Conclusions: The study suggests that knowledge and practice of supporting health literacy differ by professional qualifications. Older adults receive health and care information from a variety of staff in community-based support centers. Therefore, the study suggests the improvement of the communication skills of the community health and care workers, in order to support clients with low health literacy.