Impact of health literacy on healthcare outcomes in hospitalized patients in Lebanon including quality of life and antibiotic knowledge

This study aimed to assess health literacy (HL) levels among inpatients and evaluate its association with health-related quality of life (HRQoL), antibiotic use and knowledge, health services need, adverse drug events (ADEs), and sociodemographic factors. The cross-sectional study was conducted at a major teaching hospital from October 2022 to April 2023, recruiting 135 inpatients aged 18 and older. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using validated questionnaires including the HLS-EU-Q16 for HL and EQ-5D-5 L for HRQoL assessment. Results showed sufficient HL among 64.4% of the participants, which was associated with gender, marital status, and occupation. Patients with sufficient HL demonstrated higher HRQoL measures and better antibiotic knowledge. Those with insufficient HL were more likely to engage in risky medication practices and hold misconceptions about antibiotic use. No significant link was found between HL and healthcare utilization or ADEs. The findings underscore HL's critical impact on inpatient healthcare outcomes. By integrating HL assessment into clinical practice and implementing targeted educational initiatives, particularly on antibiotic use, healthcare providers can empower patients to make informed decisions and enhance health outcomes.