Accuracy in self-reported health literacy screening: a difference between men and women in Taiwan

Abstract

In Taiwan, screening questions are prone to socially desirable response and may underidentify male patients with inadequate health literacy. Development of a brief and easy-to-use health literacy test may be a more effective approach to health literacy screening in clinical settings. Alternatively, clinicians can verify patient comprehension of health information via the 'teach back' or 'show me' technique in order to improve communication and patient care. Research is needed to examine if gender differences in self-report of health literacy exist in other countries.