Prevalence of Low Cost-Related Health Literacy Among Colorectal Cancer Survivors: Findings From the Kentucky Cancer Registry

Background: The lack of research on cost-related health literacy among colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors warrants further evaluation.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine prevalence of low literacy (health, cancer, and insurance literacy), and numeracy and their association with sociodemographic factors in a group of Kentucky CRC survivors.

Methods: Based on data from the Kentucky Cancer Registry, this cross-sectional study evaluated survey results from January 2019 to November 2019 for the prevalence of low cost-related health literacy.

Findings: Overall, 104 participants had adequate health literacy (77%) and cancer health literacy (71%). However, fewer CRC survivors had high numeracy (16%) and confidence in choosing and using health insurance (18%). Thirty-one percent reported competence in their ability to select a health insurance plan and use it to access timely and appropriate healthcare services. Those with lower levels of education or those enrolled in a public health insurance plan were more likely to have lower health literacy, insurance literacy, and numeracy.