Health Literacy as a Buffer: Investigating its Impact on the Relationship between Psychological Distress and Quality of Life

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between health literacy, quality of life, and psychological distress in individuals with hypertension. A total of 180 hypertensive patients participated in the study, which utilized a quantitative research design. Non-probability, purposive sampling was employed, and data were gathered from both public and private hospitals, as well as the general population. Three key instruments were used: the Health Literacy Scale, the WHO Quality of Life questionnaire, and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10), along with a demographic sheet. Demographic data were summarized with frequencies and percentages, while correlational and regression analyses explored the relationships between the key variables. The findings revealed a significant relationship (p<0.01) between health literacy, quality of life, and psychological distress. Notably, there was a strong negative correlation between health literacy and quality of life (-.336**), suggesting that higher health literacy was linked to lower quality of life. Additionally, a significant negative relationship was observed between exercise and quality of life (-.182**). Regression analysis indicated that the duration of illness was a significant predictor of health literacy, quality of life, and psychological distress.