Relationship between Health Literacy and Knowledge, Attitude, and Performance Regarding Cancer Warning Signs

BACKGROUND: Health literacy (HL) is considered a cancer-preventive strategy. In addition, success in early diagnosis of cancer largely depends on individuals' knowledge, attitude, and performance regarding cancer warning signs. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential relationship between HL and Knowledge, Attitude, and Performance (KAP) regarding cancer warning signs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted on 280 adults who were referred to 3 health centers in Tehran, Iran, from January to March 2020. Data were collected using the Health Literacy Instrument for Adults (HELIA) and the researcher-made KAP regarding cancer warning signs questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation test and linear regression in an adjusted model in the statistical package for social sciences software. RESULTS: Total HL score was positively and significantly correlated with knowledge (r = 0.35; p < 0.001), attitude (r = 0.17, p = 0.003), and performance (r = 0.46, p < 0.001). Moreover, after controlling for potential confounders, a significant and positive relationship was found between HL and knowledge (β = 0.48; t(275)= 4.45; p < 0.001), attitude (β =0.17; t(265)= 4.64; p < 0.001), and performance (β = 0.62; t(265)= 8.23; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: It seems that adults' KAP regarding cancer warning signs can be promoted by increasing their HL. Therefore, greater attention should be paid to individuals' HL at community health centers when designing and performing programs to improve their KAP regarding cancer warning signs.