Analysis of the relationship among health awareness and health literacy, patient satisfaction levels with primary care in patients admitting to primary care health centers

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to examine the relationships between health literacy, primary care satisfaction levels and health awareness of the patients who were admitted to primary care centers (Family Health Centers). Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on individuals who were admitted to Family Health Centers (n = 1.055) in Eskisehir province. The study data were collected by using Turkish Health Literacy Scale, the European Patients Evaluate General/Family Practice Scale and Health Awareness Scale. Results: As health literacy of participants increases, health awareness and satisfaction with primary care also increases (for each, p < .001). Health awareness increases health literacy by 0.55 points, health literacy increases satisfaction in primary care by 0.26 points. Conclusion: In the province of Eskisehir, the health literacy level of 7 out of 10 patients, who admitted to the primary care institution, is inadequate or problematic. As health awareness of participants increases, their level of health literacy also increases. As health literacy of participants increases, their satisfaction with family physicians also increases. Practice implications: As an integral part of preventive health services, studies should be performed to increase and improve the level of health literacy of patients who are admitted to primary care services. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.