Stroke health literacy: a narrative review of assessment tools and improvement strategies

Background: Stroke is a serious life-threatening health condition. Prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation for stroke rely heavily on stroke health literacy, which refers to health literacy regarding stroke and stroke literacy. Objectives: The objectives of this review were to investigate stroke health literacy and summarize into 3 main topics: 1) assessment tools for stroke health literacy; 2) stroke health literacy levels in various populations; and 3) strategies to improve stroke health literacy. Materials and methods: A comprehensive search of the English literatures published between 2011-2021 was conducted using PubMed and Scopus databases. All studies relevant to stroke health literacy regardless the study types were included. Results: Total of fourteen studies complied with the criteria were included in a review. As a results, nine assessment tools for stroke health literacy were found (four for health literacy and five for stroke literacy). Stroke health literacy was insufficient in the general population, the population at high risk for stroke, and patients with stroke. Some strategies to improve stroke health literacy were revealed, consisted of two stroke educational programs for patients with stroke and one educational program for the general population. Conclusion: To conclude, there is very limited knowledge about stroke health literacy in terms of assessment tool, and improvement strategy. Further research is needed in order to expand knowledge and increase comprehension regarding stroke health literacy, and thus improve preventive, curative, and rehabilitative outcomes.