The relationship between health literacy and perceived shared decision making in patients with breast cancer.

OBJECTIVES

We explored the relationship between patient-perceived shared decision making (SDM) and three domains of health literacy (HL) in patients with breast cancer.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we prospectively recruited a convenience sample of 511 breast cancer patients from 3 hospitals in Taiwan. Patients completed questionnaires about HL and perceived SDM in a recent consultation. Sequential regressions, controlling for International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)-related factors) were conducted. Interactions of each HL domain with age or education were also assessed for the relationship with perceived SDM.

RESULTS

Higher scores in the HL domains of healthcare and disease prevention, but lower scores in the health promotion domain, were significantly associated with a higher perceived level of SDM after controlling for ICF-related factors (R = 33.44%). The association of SDM with two domains of HL varied with age, while the relationship between the 3 HL domains and SDM differed across education levels.

CONCLUSION

Each HL domain was significantly associated with perceived SDM after controlling for the ICF-related factors and across different age- and education-stratifications.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Clinicians should be cognizant of patients' HL levels and incorporate HL best practices into consultations and interactions with patients with breast cancer to facilitate SDM.