Health Literacy: A Pathway to Better Health for Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease-An Integrative Literature Review

Background: Low health literacy affects patients with inflammatory bowel disease, increasing their risk for poorer health outcomes and preventing them from adhering to treatment and health information. Health literacy is needed to understand, appraise, and apply health information to patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Aim: To explore health literacy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Methods: This integrative review involved a systematic search of the PubMed, CINAHL, and ASSIA electronic databases. A systematic strategy was used to select and analyze 17 peer-reviewed articles on health literacy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. This review examined research literature published until August 2024. Results: The analysis identified three descriptive themes: knowledge level, disease-related knowledge, and compliance with knowledge and treatment. The literature review underscores the role of education and knowledge, recommending that patients be guided to the official websites of healthcare and patient support organizations. Evidence-based online educational portals can support patients in better understanding prescribed medications, and participation in educational programs can enhance treatment adherence and health outcomes. Healthcare professionals can improve patients’ adherence to knowledge and health outcomes through communicative strategies and regular follow-up. Conclusion: Education and knowledge in managing inflammatory bowel disease increase treatment adherence. Patients need reliable sources and evidence-based educational portals. Healthcare professionals can enhance patients’ understanding of their medications and treatment plans with effective communication strategies and regular follow-ups to support patients’ journey toward better health, leading to improved health outcomes.