The effects of beliefs and health literacy on medication use in culturally and linguistically diverse populations: A literature review

Social and individual factors (beliefs, and health literacy) play a crucial role in health promotion and disease prevention among older culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations. This review examines the recent publications regarding the impact of health beliefs, and health literacy on patients' medication use involving adherence, polypharmacy, and potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in older CALD population.
Databases were systemically searched for articles published from inception to January 2025. Thirteen research articles on beliefs and medication use (randomized control trials [n=1], cross-sectional [n=6], observational [n=1], qualitative [n=2], or unknown [n=3]) were obtained from databases. Ten research articles (observational [n=2], cross-sectional [n=2], interview [n=5], randomized control trials [n=1]) were retrieved for health literacy and medication use. Findings were categorized into four themes: (1) beliefs and health promotion and disease prevention, (2) beliefs and medication adherence, (3) beliefs and polypharmacy, and PIM, and (4) health literacy and medication use.
Results highlighted that beliefs and health literacy often negatively influenced medication use and health outcomes. While these findings, were specific to groups like Mexican Americans, African Americans, Indian Americans, and British
Bangladeshis, the results emphasize the need for research into the influence of health beliefs, and health literacy on medication use in other older CALD populations. Future studies should address these gaps to develop culturally sensitive, interventions, and support mechanisms.