Literacy at the synapse: Exploring the connection between health literacy and compliance in electroneuromyography procedures

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate a possible correlation between health literacy (HL), anxiety and compliance during electroneuromyography (ENMG) procedure.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Başakşehir Çam and Sakura Hospital, including a total of 222 patients. After obtaining informed consent, the patients completed demographic and disease- related questionnaires as well as the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Health Literacy Scale (HLS). Following the ENMG procedure, patients were then asked to complete the ENMG Compliance Questionnaire (ECQ) which was developed by the authors.

Results: A statistically significant weak negative association was found between the HLS and BAI scores and ENQ and BAI scores (p < 0.001, r = -0.24 and p<0.001, r= -0.259, respectively). Additionally, there was a statistically significant moderate positive correlation observed between the ECQ and HLS scores (p < 0.001, r = 0.408). A statistically significant difference was observed between the genders in terms of the BAI scores (p < 0.001). No statistically significant difference was found in the HLS and ECQ scores between genders. Analyses also revealed that individuals with no formal education exhibited significantly lower HLS scores than patients with higher education (p=0.001).

Conclusions: The results of this study indicated a notable link between the level of HL and increased compliance, as well as decreased anxiety, in individuals who undergo the ENMG procedure. Improving HL through targeted distribution of healthcare information via educational initiatives and ensuring broad availability of reliable health resources could potentially have a positive effect on patient compliance.