The importance of functional health literacy for patients with non-communicable chronic diseases

  • Eloisa Louhany Feitosa das Neves UFCG
  • Wendel Vinícius Laurenço Rodrigues Universidade Federal da Paraíba
  • Adriana Montenegro Albuquerque Universidade Federal de Campina Grande
  • Edlene Regis da Silva Pimentel Universidade Federal de Campina Grande
  • Bernadete de Lourdes André Gouveia Universidade Federal de Campina Grande

Abstract

Introduction: Primary Health Care (PHC) is essential for controlling Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases (NCDs), playing a fundamental role in promoting quality of life and providing information on Functional Health Literacy (FHL) to improve patient self-care. Objective: To analyze, through a literature review, the importance of FHL for patients with NCDs. Materials and Methods: This is an integrative literature review study that investigated the relationship between FHL and treatment adherence in patients with NCDs. The research was conducted in scientific databases such as SciELO, PubMed, and LILACS, resulting in the selection of 21 studies. Results: The findings indicate that low FHL is associated with lower treatment adherence, low educational attainment, and advanced age, making NCD management more challenging. The analysis was organized into three categories: the impact of education on self-care, the influence of health education, and the relationship between advanced age and FHL. Final Considerations: It is concluded that improving FHL can contribute to treatment adherence and enhance quality of life. Further studies on this topic are recommended to support the development of adequate public policies.

 

Keywords: Functional Health Literacy. Primary Health Care. Self-care.

Author Biographies

Eloisa Louhany Feitosa das Neves, UFCG

Bacharel em Enfermagem pela Universidade Federal de Campina Grande UFCG, Rua Coronel Antônio Pessoa, 90, Centro, CEP: 58233-000, Araruna, Paraíba. Email: eloisalouhanyfeitosadasneves@gmail.com

Wendel Vinícius Laurenço Rodrigues, Universidade Federal da Paraíba

Mestrando do Programa de Pós-graduação em Modelos de Decisão e Saúde pela Universidade Federal da Paraíba. Enfermeiro pela Universidade Federal de Campina Grande. wvinicius25@hotmail.com

Adriana Montenegro Albuquerque, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande

Enfermeira. Doutora em enfemagem. Professora da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Cuité – Paraíba. E-mail. adriana.montenegro@professor.ufcg.edu.br

Edlene Regis da Silva Pimentel, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande

Enfermeira. Mestre em enfemagem. Professora da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Cuité – Paraíba. E-mail.

Bernadete de Lourdes André Gouveia, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande

Enfermeira. Doutora em enfemagem. Professora da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Cuité – Paraíba. E-mail.

Published
2025-10-12
How to Cite
Feitosa das Neves, E. L., Laurenço Rodrigues, W. V., Montenegro Albuquerque, A., Regis da Silva Pimentel, E., & de Lourdes André Gouveia, B. (2025). The importance of functional health literacy for patients with non-communicable chronic diseases. REVISTA CEREUS, 17(3), 151-166. Retrieved from https://ojs.unirg.edu.br/index.php/1/article/view/5742
Issue
Vol 17 No 3 (2025): Revista Cereus
Section
Artigos

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