Effectiveness of a health communication intervention on health literacy in the first year following kidney transplantation – A randomized controlled study

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a new health communication intervention focusing on knowledge management skills on health literacy and medication adherence during the first year following kidney transplantation. Methods: We randomized 195 patients during 2020–2021, to either intervention- or control group. Questionnaires were completed at baseline and at 12 months post-transplantation with a 12-month response rate of 84%. Health literacy was measured by the multidimensional Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) instrument. Medication adherence was measured by the self-reported questionnaire (BAASIS©). Results: Results showed that the intervention group had a significant increase in 2 HLQ domains compared to the control group capturing the “ability to appraise health information” Domain 5, (p-value = 0.002) and the “ability to navigate the healthcare system” Domain 7, (p-value <0.04). The effect sizes of SRM were 0.49 (Domain 5) and 0.33 (Domain 7). Medication adherence was comparable in the groups at any measure points. Conclusions: This study contributes to important knowledge about how a health communication intervention focusing on knowledge translation using motivational interviewing techniques positively strengthens health literacy in kidney transplant recipients. Practical implications: Current patient education practice may benefit from focusing on knowledge translation in combination with motivational interview technique.