HEALTH LITERACY AMONG INDIVIDUALS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS IN TURKEY: A CROSS-SECTIONAL EVALUATION AND POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

Although health literacy (HL) is critically important for making informed healthcare decisions, studies examining HL levels among individuals with visual impairments are limited. In this cross-sectional study, the HL levels of 89 adults with low vision or total blindness in the Aksaray province of Turkey were evaluated. The participants’ abilities to access, understand, evaluate, and apply health information were measured using a sociodemographic questionnaire and a validated Health Literacy Scale. The findings indicate that, while participants primarily accessed health information through assistive technologies, more than half had difficulty interpreting medical content. Education level, employment status, and social security coverage emerged as significant determinants of HL; higher education, steady employment, and insurance coverage were associated with higher HL scores. These results highlight the importance of accessible educational materials and adapted communication strategies for visually impaired individuals. By adopting inclusive health policies and training healthcare professionals in effective communication, substantial improvements in health outcomes and overall well-being can be achieved for this population.