Low health literacy predicts decline in physical function among older adults: findings from the LitCog cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Limited health literacy is associated with worse physical function in cross-sectional studies. We aimed to determine if health literacy is a risk factor for decline in physical function among older adults.

Methods

A longitudinal cohort of 529 community-dwelling American adults aged 55-74 years were recruited from an academic general internal medicine clinic and federally qualified health centres in 2008-2011. Health literacy (Newest Vital Sign), age, gender, race, education, chronic conditions, body mass index, alcohol consumption, smoking status and exercise frequency were included in multivariable analyses. The 10-item PROMIS (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System) physical function scale was assessed at baseline and follow-up (mean=3.2 years,

SUBMITTER: Smith SG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4413744 | biostudies-literature | 2015 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature