Validation of the Spanish version of the Health Literacy Survey (HLS19-Q12) in secondary care specialty consultations

Abstract

Objectives

This study sought to validate the HLS₁₉-Q12 in Spain and in the Spanish language, as well as describe the sociodemographic profile and the general health literacy of the study population.

Study design

Descriptive cross-sectional.

Methods

Factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha were used to validate the Spanish version of the HLS₁₉-Q12. Health literacy scores and associated categories were calculated using the scale factsheet, and the patient population sociodemographic profile was determined using frequency analysis.

Results

The HLS₁₉-Q12 used in Spain in the Spanish language was found to be both valid and reliable (Cronbach's alpha = 0.87). The sociodemographic profile was primarily male and aged, and the majority of patients were of Spanish origin and had diabetes. General patient health literacy was limited, with 60% of participants having general health literacy categorized as inadequate or problematic, and 40 % sufficient or excellent.

Conclusions

This study validated the HLS₁₉-Q12 in Spain, created a sociodemographic profile of the sample population, and calculated their health literacy scores. This contribution provides another valuable validated tool and associated data to the increasingly important field of health literacy.