Health literacy (HL) has become an important area of research. The aim of this study was to
evaluate the HL of primary healthcare patients in the Republic of Srpska (RS), Bosnia and Herzegovina
(B&H) and to identify socioeconomic and health factors associated with HL. This cross-sectional study
among 768 patients was conducted in two healthcare centres between March and May 2017, using the
Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (S-TOFHLA). Analysis was done using descriptive
and inferential statistics (a chi-squared test and logistic regression). Inadequate and marginal HL was
found in 34,6% of respondents. Socioeconomic and self-reported health factors were significantly
related to HL. An age of 55 years and over (OR 1.02), living in a rural environment (OR 2.25), being
divorced (OR 3.32), being insufficiently physically active (OR 1.29), having poor income (OR 1.96),
having more than three chronic diseases (OR 1.94), and poor health (OR 1.59) were significantly
corelated with inadequate and marginal HL. The results of our study indicate that a low level of HL
is related to the elderly, having a divorce, having a rural residence, poor income, having more than
three chronic diseases, poor health, and insufficient physical activity. Further evaluation, monitoring,
and activities to improve HL are of great importance for patients’ health outcomes.
