[Comprehension of medical terminology in older adults: a cross-sectional study].

Abstract

Introduction: Health literacy (HL) is the ability to obtain, interpret, and comprehend medical information necessary for decision-making. The objective was to determine the understanding of medical terminology in adults over 60 years old and its predictors.

Materials and methods: Adults over 60 years old who were in the waiting room of scheduled clinics were surveyed using the SAHLSA-50 (Short Assessment of Health Literacy for Spanish Adults) questionnaire, validated in Spanish. Comprehension was considered inadequate if the score was 37 or lower. A linear regression model was constructed between sociodemographic predictors and the level of understanding with SAHLSA-50. Regression coefficients with their 95% CIs are presented.

Results: A total of 323 participants with a mean age of 72.5 years (SD 6.6) were included, 53.0% had a primary education level. The median SAHLSA-50 score was 45 points (IQR 42-49). The 4.6% of participants had inadequate understanding. In the multivariate model, the only independent predictor of understanding was the educational level, with a coefficient of 0.89 (95% CI 0.68-1.09), acquiring a medical term for each increase in the educational stratum.

Discussion: Educational level is a determining factor in the comprehension of medical terminology. Health professionals should adjust the level of their discourse to the population they serve.