Study on the correlation between health literacy and quality of life in patients with coronary heart disease

Objective To probe into the correlation between coronary heart disease patients′ health literacy and quality of life, and to provide a theoretical basis for developing a comprehensive health education strategy. Methods This research was a cross-sectional descriptive study of 302 coronary heart disease inpatients in the Department of Cardiology of a three-grade, Grade-A general hospital in Nanchang city. Patients were surveyed by questionnaires, chronic health literacy scales and quality of life (SF-36) questionnaires. Results The total score of health literacy in patients with coronary heart disease was 62.49±10.56. The total score of quality of life was 100.03±15.09. There was a positive correlation between health literacy and quality of life in patients with coronary heart disease. Conclusions The health literacy of patients with coronary heart disease is at a low level, quality of life is at a medium level. Nursing staff must take corresponding measures and formulate health strategies to improve the patients′ quality of life and to promote the recovery of patients′ diseases. Key words: Coronary heart disease; Health literacy; Quality of life