Health literacy and self-management of patients in care transition

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5902/2179769290093

Keywords:

Nursing, Patient Discharge, Transitional Care, Health Literacy, Self Care

Abstract

Objective: To assess the health literacy and willingness to self-manage of patients in transition of care. Method: a cross-sectional, analytical study carried out between January and October 2024 with adults scheduled for hospital discharge. The data were collected in a high-complexity hospital, using instruments for sociodemographic characterization, assessment of health literacy (Health Literacy Scale), and measurement of willingness to self-manage(Patient Activation Measure - 22). The analysis was based on descriptive statistics. Results: 39 individuals participated, with an average age of 49.5 years (±17.37), predominantly men, and a high proportion had a complete high school education. The participants also reported the presence of caregivers, comorbidities, and a history of continuous medication use. It was observed that 56.4% had high health literacy, and 84.6% were more likely to engage in self-management. Conclusion: The results indicate moderate health literacy and a high willingness to self-manage, which favors safer decisions, better clinical outcomes, and continuity of care at home.

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Author Biographies

Railca Teixeira Rocha, Universidade Federal de São Paulo

Graduanda em Enfermagem pela Escola Paulista de Enfermagem- EPE, Universidade Federal de São Paulo- UNFESP. São Paulo-SP- Brasil

Maria Carolina Barbosa Teixeira Lopes, Universidade Federal de São Paulo

Enfermeira, Doutora pela Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Enfermagem- EPE, Universidade Federal de São Paulo- UNIFESP. São Paulo, SP, Brasil.

Luiz Humberto Vieri Piacezzi, Universidade Federal de São Paulo

Enfermeiro Mestre pela Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Enfermagem- EPE, Universidade Federal de São Paulo- UNIFESP. São Paulo, SP, Brasil

Andrea Fachini da Costa, Universidade Federal de São Paulo

Enfermeira Mestre pela Escola Paulista de Enfermagem- EPE, Universidade Federal de São Paulo- UNIFESP. São Paulo, SP, Brasil.

Ruth Esther Assayag Batista, Universidade Federal de São Paulo

Enfermeira, Doutora pela Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Enfermagem- EPE, Universidade Federal de São Paulo- UNIFESP. São Paulo, SP, Brasil.

Cássia Regina Vancini Campanharo, Universidade Federal de São Paulo

Enfermeira, Doutora pela Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Enfermagem- EPE, Universidade Federal de São Paulo- UNIFESP. São Paulo, SP, Brasil.

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Published

2025-11-18

How to Cite

Rocha, R. T., Lopes, M. C. B. T., Piacezzi, L. H. V., Costa, A. F. da, Batista, R. E. A., & Campanharo, C. R. V. (2025). Health literacy and self-management of patients in care transition. Revista De Enfermagem Da UFSM, 15, e25. https://doi.org/10.5902/2179769290093

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