Teste de letramento funcional em saúde animal – LFSA.

Abstract

The Functional Health Literacy (FLH) is one of the social determinants that indicates the ability to obtain, analyze and apply medical information, however until now it was not applied in Veterinary Medicine. In the present paper it was created a Functional Literacy in Animal Health (FLAH) test to assess if dog and cat owner’s can understand information commonly used in veterinary prescriptions. In spite of understanding the verbal guidelines, 62% have difficulty in understanding medication schedules and technical terms (74%). There was an association between the FLAH degree and the education level and income. The owners with complete primary education show critical (42%) and basic (61%) literacy along with an income of up to three minimum wages (58%), which are associated with literacy difficulties (p <0,001 and p = 0,04). The test presents quick and practical questions and can be applied by the veterinarian before the prescription, improving the communication with pet owners.