The relationship between health literacy and perceived shared decision making in patients with breast cancer

Objectives: 

We explored the relationship between patient-perceived shared decision making (SDM) and three domains of health literacy (HL) in patients with breast cancer. 

Methods: 

In this cross-sectional study, we prospectively recruited a convenience sample of 511 breast cancer patients from 3 hospitals in Taiwan. Patients completed questionnaires about HL and perceived SDM in a recent consultation. Sequential regressions, controlling for International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)-related factors) were conducted. Interactions of each HL domain with age or education were also assessed for the relationship with perceived SDM. 

Results: 

Higher scores in the HL domains of healthcare and disease prevention, but lower scores in the health promotion domain, were significantly associated with a higher perceived level of SDM after controlling for ICF-related factors (R² = 33.44%). The association of SDM with two domains of HL varied with age, while the relationship between the 3 HL domains and SDM differed across education levels. 

Conclusion: 

Each HL domain was significantly associated with perceived SDM after controlling for the ICF-related factors and across different age- and education-stratifications. Practice implications: Clinicians should be cognizant of patients’ HL levels and incorporate HL best practices into consultations and interactions with patients with breast cancer to facilitate SDM.