Original scientific paper
Functional Health and Pharmacotherapy Literacy Related to Vitamin D Supplementation Among Adults: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study
Maida Šljivić Husejnović
orcid.org/0000-0002-8018-4326
; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
*
Belkisa Izić
; Clinic for Radiology and Nuclear medicine, University Clinical Centre Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Alija Uzunović
orcid.org/0000-0002-3582-9893
; Agency for medicinal products and medical devices of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Merima Ibišević
orcid.org/0000-0002-0900-5882
; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Enida Karić
orcid.org/0000-0002-4046-2483
; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Introduction: Health literacy (HL) and pharmacotherapy literacy (PTHL) are key determinants of the safe and effective use of medications and dietary supplements, including vitamin D. Limited HL has been widely associated with medication errors, poor adherence, and inappropriate supplement use. In Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), only a few studies have examined HL and none have evaluated PTHL, indicating a significant evidence gap.
Objective: This study aimed to assess functional HL and PTHL related to vitamin D supplementation among adults attending a community pharmacy in Tuzla Canton, B&H.
Methodology: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 47 adults from three cities in Tuzla Canton who visited private pharmacies. Functional HL was assessed using the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (S-TOFHLA), while PTHL was measured using the Bosnian version of the Pharmacotherapy Literacy Questionnaire (PTHL-B&H). Associations between literacy levels and sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, and education) were analyzed.
Results: Low PTHL was observed in 61.7% of participants, while 44.7% demonstrated adequate functional HL. Gender was not significantly associated with either literacy measure, whereas older age and lower educational attainment were significantly associated with lower HL and PTHL levels (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Despite the limited sample size and regional focus of the study, the findings reveal substantial gaps in HL and PTHL related to vitamin D supplementation, particularly among older and less-educated adults, highlighting the need for targeted pharmacist-led educational interventions to support safe and informed supplement use.
Keywords
adherence; PTHL; patient safety; sociodemographic factors; S-TOFHLA
Hrčak ID:
348395
URI
Publication date:
30.6.2026.
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