Stigma and health literacy in individuals with COPD – a cross-sectional research

Introduction and aim. This study was conducted to evaluate the stigma and health literacy levels of individuals with COPD and to determine the relationship between stigma and health literacy. Material and methods. This study was conducted with 310 individuals with COPD between September 10, 2021 and March 10, 2022.Data were collected usingthe Patient Information Form, Health Literacy Scale and The Chronic Illness Anticipated Stigma Scale. Results. The average score of individuals on the Health Literacy Scale is 36.8±12.8, and the average score on the chronic illness anticipated stigma scale is 30.4±8.5. Health literacy scores are low in individuals over 65 years of age, female, married, unemployed, and secondhand smoke (p<0.05). Stigma score is high in individuals who are over 65 years old, male, single, and are not working due to illness (p<0.05). There is a significant relationship between the Health Literacy Scale and The Chronic Illness Anticipated Stigma Scale (p<0.05). Conclusion. It has been determined that age, gender, marital status and employment status affect both stigma and health literacy. It is recommended that the health literacy levels of individuals with COPD be evaluated and supported to increase their health literacy levels.