Association between health literacy and kidney functions via medication adherence and health behavior in patients with chronic kidney disease stage 3-4
Abstract:
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a complicated disease and burdened public health system. Delaying progression of CKD stage 3-4 to end stage renal disease helps increase quality of life and decrease healthcare costs. Prior studies showed that patients with adequate health literacy could achieve target treatment outcomes in chronic disease. This study aims to investigate an association between health literacy and rapid kidney function decline via medication adherence and health behavior in patients with CKD stage 3-4. A quantitative analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in patients diagnosed with CKD stage 3-4 in the Nephrology Clinic at Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital, Bangkok, during January 2021 to May 2021. Data were collected by a set of questionnaires, including health literacy questionnaires for CKD stage 3-4, Medication Adherence Scales in Thais, and Health behavior for delaying kidney progression questionnaires. Kidney function data (eGFR) were collected at the time patients were recruited and 1 year was categorized as rapid kidney function decline. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, Structural Equation Modeling, and multivariable logistic regression.