Health Literacy and Tuberculosis: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study in Gujarat, India

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health concern, with India accounting for a substantial portion of the global TB burden. Effective disease management relies on patient adherence to treatment protocols and active engagement in healthcare processes. Health literacy, the ability to acquire, comprehend, and utilize health-related information, is a crucial factor in disease management and outcomes. However, the health literacy levels among TB patients in India have not been extensively studied and thus, this research aims to assess this among TB patients in Gujarat, India. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 393 primary care patients with active TB, using a Health Literacy Instrument for Adults (HELIA) tool that was adapted and validated in the local language. Data was analyzed using SPSS 17.0, with statistical significance taken as p < 0.05. Result: The findings revealed that 67.1% of TB patients had limited health literacy, particularly among those with lower educational levels and unemployed. Higher health literacy was associated with better treatment adherence (OR=4.69, 95% CI:3.2-7.79), while patients with chronic conditions exhibited lower health literacy (OR=4.8, 95% CI: 1.23-9.8). Although TB patients demonstrated higher health literacy in the decision-making domain, they faced significant challenges in the appraisal domain. Conclusion: The findings suggest that health literacy may play an important role in the management of TB. Efforts to enhance health literacy could potentially contribute to improved treatment adherence and better overall outcomes.