HEALTH LITERACY OF THE ELDERLY

Background: With regard to the demographic trends, the health literacy of the elderly has become a very hot issue. Low health literacy is associated with adverse health consequences. A limited functional literacy is common in the elderly and can lead to a restricted access to the healthcare service due to limited understanding and decision making. The elderly are principal users of the healthcare system because of their chronic diseases and higher health risks. Low health literacy in the elderly is associated with a higher degree of hospitalization, disability to manage chronic diseases and increased mortality Aim: The health literacy analysis is necessary for the assessment of the area on which goal-directed activities should be focused. The aim of the study was to perform a health literacy analysis of the elderly (to understand the modes of health care, to be able to use the knowledge and skills necessary for the management of the care of one's own health) and to identify the areas of health literacy deficits associated with the health management in the age category above 65. Methods: A strategy of a qualitative approach was chosen for the study. The method of data collection by a semi-structured dialogue was used for obtaining the necessary information; the choice of the communication partners was deliberate. The data obtained were processed by the method of open coding, by means of the Atlas ti 7 program for qualitative data processing. Results: 3 main areas were determined by the method of open coding: Health Promotion, Illness Prevention and Health Care. Each category contains a relevant number of sub-categories produced in accordance with the content of the dialogues. Conclusions: Health literacy skills vary in individual groups of the elderly. Health literacy is influenced by the age, education, health condition and address of the respondents. In this paper, the first results are presented. The authors tried to summarize the obtained information that could serve as a basis for a quantitative study.