Correlation of health literacy and learning style preference in persons with heart failure

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the study was to describe demographic and health literacy correlates of learning style in older adults with heart failure (HF).

Methods: Cross sectional data on learning styles (VARK Questionnaire, 16 items) and health literacy (S-TOFHLA, 36 items) were collected. Preferred learning style was determined and correlated to health literacy and demographic measures.

Results: 116 participants with heart failure (M age = 75.1 (SD 12.5) years, M health literacy of 19 (SD 11.5). Most identified as male (59 %); with inadequate health literacy (67 %). Thirty percent reported a multimodal learning style preference with a kinesthetic (r = .33, p = .03) and not a visual preference (r = -.49, p < .001). Among unimodal learning styles, the most frequent was kinesthetic (26.7 %). Those with lower literacy levels were older (r = -.44, p = <.001), had less education (r = .48, p < .001) and reported a kinesthetic learning preference (r = .37, p = .001).

Conclusion: Older individuals identifying as male, with low health literacy, preferred a kinesthetic approach to HF education. Future research should consider the linkage between education tailored to learning style, health literacy and outcomes.

Practice implications: Assessment of learning style should be completed prior to an educational encounter.

Keywords: Health literacy; Heart failure; Learning style; Patient education.