Multimodal Strategies for Improving Health Literacy in Adults with Chronic Kidney Disease

Health literacy, encompassing functional, interactive (communicative) and critical abilities, is essential for effective self-management in chronic kidney disease. This discussion article, using a scoping review approach, draws from recent studies published between January 2021 and March 2025 to understand health literacy in adults with chronic kidney disease the latest health literacy interventions. Health literacy in this population is multifaceted and tied to social determinants of health. Low health literacy is linked to poorer outcomes. While recent research focused on educational interventions, few employed strategies such as teach-back. Objectively measured outcomes (e.g., eGFR, blood pressure and interdialytic weight gain), showed modest improvements, whereas patient-reported outcomes (e.g., self-management behaviour, disease-related knowledge, self-efficacy, and health-related quality of life) improved more consistently when health literacy abilities were targeted. Vulnerable groups, particularly those with low health literacy or early chronic kidney disease grades remain underrepresented. To slow disease progression and improve equity, targeted interventions are urgently needed. Health literacy must also be embedded in organizational policies, healthcare service design, and workforce training to achieve sustainable impact. As a socially determined factor tied to health equity, a multimodal health literacy approach is essential and requires a shift from individual abilities to healthcare professionals and organizations. Co-design research can strengthen intervention relevance and uptake by incorporating diverse perspectives and real-world contexts. This collaborative approach offers a pathway to create inclusive, practical, and culturally responsive solutions that advance health literacy practices of clinicians and improve chronic kidney disease outcomes.