Health literacy levels and social support of surgery patientsthe relationship between their perceptions and their readiness for discharge

Background and Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between surgical patients' health literacy levels and perceptions of social support and their readiness for discharge. Material and Methods: This correlational study was conducted with 275 patients hospitalized in the surgical ward of a training and research hospital between February 2025 and May 2025. The study included surgical patients who were open to communication and collaboration, between the ages 18 and 65, had no cognitive or mental health problems, and volunteered to participate. Data were collected using an information form, the Turkish Health Literacy Scale-32, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale. Results: The mean age of surgical patients participating in the study was 43.09±14.17 years. 61.8% of the patients had a history of previous surgery. It was determined that the patients' health literacy levels were above average (36.44±8.06) and their perception of social support was high (62.03±16.69). It was found that patients were not ready for discharge (6.94±2.11). A positive correlation was found between surgical patients' health literacy level (r=0.310, p=0.001) and perception of social support (r=0.180, p=0.003) and their readiness for discharge. Conclusion: It was concluded that as surgical patients' health literacy levels and perceptions of social support increase, their readiness for discharge also increases. Based on this result, we recommend that all surgical patients receive individualized discharge education from the moment they are admitted to the hospital, and that patients' health literacy levels and perceptions of social support be assessed during discharge planning. Keywords: Surgical patients, nurse, health literacy, perception of social support, readiness for discharge