Relationship Between Health Literacy and Knowledge About Gynaecological Cancer Prevention of Women.
Fatma Aksoy, Hilal Gül Boyraz Yanık, Nülüfer Erbil
PMID 39908577WHAT IT FOUND
Women with higher health literacy reported more knowledge about preventing gynaecological cancers, but only 28.8% had regular check-ups.
Nurses can target education to literacy and knowledge gaps, but this survey does not prove teaching improves screening.
Key findings
01The study analysed 264 women; their mean gynaecologic cancer prevention knowledge score was 18.73 of 35, and their mean health literacy score was 52.85 of 70.
02Higher total health literacy was associated with higher total gynaecologic cancer prevention information.
03Only 28.8% of women had regular gynaecological check-ups, and 66.3% did not use early screening services or have a pap smear test.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The study was done in one state hospital, so the results may not apply to all women. It measured health literacy and knowledge at one time and did not test an intervention, so it cannot show that improving literacy improves knowledge or screening. Women who had previously been diagnosed with gynaecological cancer were excluded, so the findings do not describe that group. The sample was women already receiving health services in polyclinics, which may differ from women who do not use services.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that improving health literacy will increase screening or cancer prevention knowledge. This was a survey of women's reported literacy and knowledge, not a test of an education programme, and it cannot show cause.