Exploring the health literacy gap between rural and metropolitan cardiovascular patients
Research led by Monash medical student Kaveesha Jayasuriya as part of his honours year, found that patients from metropolitan areas who have had a heart attack had a significantly greater ability to actively engage with their healthcare providers than patients from rural areas.
Kaveesha’s research explored the differences in health literacy and cardiovascular risk factors between metropolitan and rural patients who have had their first heart attack, and cardiac rehabilitation attendance.
The research found that patients from rural areas were less actively engaged with their healthcare providers, and patients with lower health literacy were generally less healthy. Lower health literacy was also associated with anxious or depressive symptoms and smoking. Kaveesha commented on the change in rural participants' health literacy.
“Another interesting finding is that a significantly higher proportion of rural participants reported having improved their ‘Ability to actively engage with their healthcare providers’ and ability to ‘Navigate the health system’ when compared to the metropolitan group”
Stepping away from his medical studies to focus on an honours year, gave Kaveesha the opportunity to gain new skills in using STATA data analysis software.
“It was interesting to see how the data was collated, cleaned and then imported into STATA. I am hoping my understanding of the software can be put to good use in future research endeavours.”
While undertaking his honours year project, Kaveesha developed a newfound appreciation for the research process.
“The honours year, so far, has been quite different from other years. It involves a lot of self-directed learning and long-term planning to reach deadlines. I think I have gained a greater appreciation and understanding of the medical research process during the course of this year.”
Kaveesha was supported by his supervisors from Monash Rural Health, health literacy experts Dr Denise Azar and Associate Professor Alison Beauchamp.
Dr Azar congratulated Kaveesha on his research and noted that these findings will help support the call for targeted strategies that address the health literacy needs of cardiovascular patients in rural areas.
“Kaveesha’s study supports our ongoing research into heart health for rural patients, and helps paint a clearer picture of the health literacy challenges of rural cardiovascular patients to ensure they are supported to meet their physical and mental health needs.”
Kaveesha’s research was presented at the recent National Rural Health Conference in Perth on 16-18 September 2024.