A scoping review of health literacy in rare disorders: key issues and research directions

Abstract

Abstract Background The ability to find, understand, appraise and utilise health information is crucial among individuals living with rare disorders. The aim of this study was to give a comprehensive overview of the literature on health literacy in adult persons with rare disorders. Methods We applied a scoping review methodology and performed a systematic search in 2021 in bibliographic databases. Searches were conducted in Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), PsycInfo (Ovid), CINAHL (ebsco), and ERIC (Ovid). References were sorted and evaluated for inclusion using EndNote and Covidence. This review was guided by the question “What are the characteristics of research on health literacy in rare disorders?” Results The database searches yielded 75 eligible reports. A total of 6223 individuals with rare disorders were represented alongside 1707 caregivers. The reports in this review have included study participants representing a total of 80 different rare disorders with unique ORPHA and ICD-10 codes. The results revealed that persons with rare disorders often exhibit gaps in health literacy through a lack of knowledge and access to information related to self-management, their own diagnosis and health, as well as daily coping and social rights. In addition, the importance of aid and information from healthcare personnel and the significance of getting social support from others in the same situation were accentuated. Conclusion This review emphasizes the importance of reinforcing health literacy among persons with rare disorders through peer support and education. This is the first review to give a comprehensive and state-of-the-art overview of literature investigating health literacy among persons with rare disorders and offers a basis for further research.