(A206) Assessing Health Literacy in Patients Attending a Specialized Head and Neck Surgery Clinic

Introduction: Health literacy (HL) is essential for patients to understand and engage in their care, particularly in complex medical settings like head and neck surgery (HNS) clinics, where treatment decisions involve significant risks and long-term consequences. Patients with lower HL may face challenges in understanding their diagnosis and treatment, potentially leading to poorer outcomes. We aimed to evaluate HL levels among patients attending a specialized HNS clinic and explore demographic and clinical differences between those with adequate and inadequate HL.

Methods: Retrospective chart review of patients who attended a HNS clinic at our tertiary care institution from 09-09-24 to 12-09-24. HL was assessed using the Brief Health Literacy Screen. Patients' characteristics were extracted from medical records. Patients were categorized into two groups: adequate vs. inadequate HL. Statistical differences between groups were analyzed using chi-square test, Fisher's exact, and Mann-Whitney U test. Univariable logistic regression assessed associations between demographic and clinical variables and HL levels.

Results: Of 124 patients, 95 completed the survey (76.61%). The mean age was 62.6 years (SD 13.68), with 49.47% aged ≥65 years. Females represented 52.6% of the sample, 78.95% were White, 5.36% were Hispanic, and 96.84% had high English proficiency. The median HL score was 15 (IQR: 13–15). 11 patients (11.57%) had inadequate HL, 20 (21.05%) had difficulty with at least one evaluated question. Of 44 patients with head and neck cancer and retrievable TNM staging, 14 had T3 or T4 cancer. All patients with inadequate HL and cancer were diagnosed with advanced T-stage disease. Patients with inadequate HL were significantly older (p=0.008) and had lower high English proficiency (p=0.035). Univariable analysis showed adequate HL was associated with high English proficiency (OR 18.44 p=0.022), younger age (OR 0.91 p=0.016), and non-Hispanic ethnicity (OR 0.14 p=0.048).

Conclusions: There is a need for HL screening in the HNS clinic setting. Interventions targeting HL may improve care in vulnerable populations.