The Relationship between Health Literacy of Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Their Quality of Life

Ali, Esraa Abdullah Mostafa Farahat ,; Moursy, Abeer Mohamed El-Shatby; Morsy, Asmaa Ahmed Ibrahim ,

doi:10.21608/asalexu.2025.414962

The Relationship between Health Literacy of Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Their Quality of Life

Document Type : Research articles

Authors

¹ Nursing supervisor Alexandria Fever Hospital

² , Professor Medical-Surgical Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University

³ Assistant Professor Nursing Education, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University

10.21608/asalexu.2025.414962

Abstract

Background: Health literacy is a critical component of individual and public health, that
impacts personal health outcomes. Patients with low health literacy may struggle to navigate the
healthcare system, interpret medical terminology, and follow instructions for medications and
treatments, leading to poor health outcomes and reduced quality of life. Objective: To determine the
relationship between the health literacy of patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and their
quality of life. Setting: The study was conducted in the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Outpatient
clinic at the Alexandria Fever Hospital which is affiliated with the Ministry of Health and Population.
Subjects: A convenience sample of 245 adult HIV patients’ was selected from above mentioned setting.
Tools: two tools were used. Tool I: Human Immuno Deficiency Virus (HIV) Patients’ Health Literacy
Assessment Scale (HPHLAS), Tool II: Human Immuno Deficiency Virus (HIV) Patients’ Quality of
Life Assessment Scale (HPQOLAS). Results: It was found that more than half of HIV patients had a
moderate level of health literacy and more than three-quarters of patients had a moderate level of
quality of life. Also, there were statistically significant positive correlations between health literacy
and quality of life as p < (0.001). Conclusion: HL is closely related to the quality of life; individuals
with high health literacy are more likely to have better health outcomes and better quality of life than
those with low health literacy Recommendations: Provide regular education sessions to reinforce
important information and promote ongoing learning for HIV patients.

Keywords