Effectiveness of a health communication intervention on health literacy in the first year following kidney transplantation – A randomized controlled study
Vidnes, Tone Karine; Wahl, Astrid Klopstad; Larsen, Marie Hamilton; Meyer, Käthe Birgitte; Engebretsen, Eivind; Hermansen, Åsmund; Urstad, Kristin Hjorthaug; Dahl, Kari Gire; Borge, Christine Råheim; Andersen, Marit Helen
Peer reviewed, Journal article
Published version
Date
2024Metadata
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Original version
Vidnes, T. K., Wahl, A. K., Larsen, M. H., Meyer, K. B., Engebretsen, E., Hermansen, Å., ... & Andersen, M. H. (2024). Effectiveness of a health communication intervention on health literacy in the first year following kidney transplantation–A randomized controlled study. Patient Education and Counseling, 123, 108207. 10.1016/j.pec.2024.108207Abstract
Objective
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a new health communication intervention focusing on knowledge management skills on health literacy and medication adherence during the first year following kidney transplantation.
Methods
We randomized 195 patients during 2020–2021, to either intervention- or control group. Questionnaires were completed at baseline and at 12 months post-transplantation with a 12-month response rate of 84%. Health literacy was measured by the multidimensional Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) instrument. Medication adherence was measured by the self-reported questionnaire (BAASIS©).
Results
Results showed that the intervention group had a significant increase in 2 HLQ domains compared to the control group capturing the “ability to appraise health information” Domain 5, (p-value = 0.002) and the “ability to navigate the healthcare system” Domain 7, (p-value <0.04). The effect sizes of SRM were 0.49 (Domain 5) and 0.33 (Domain 7). Medication adherence was comparable in the groups at any measure points.
Conclusions
This study contributes to important knowledge about how a health communication intervention focusing on knowledge translation using motivational interviewing techniques positively strengthens health literacy in kidney transplant recipients.
Practical implications
Current patient education practice may benefit from focusing on knowledge translation in combination with motivational interview technique.