Affacting factors of health literacy among Huaian residents

Abstract

Objective To evaluate health literacy and its affacting factors in of Huaian residents so as to provide evidence for comprehensive health education. Methods A total of 3 480 subjects aged 15-69 years old were recruited from Huaian city in the second half of 2012 by using stratified multi-stage cluster random sampling. Three dimensions were covered in this investigation: basic knowledge and concept, healthy lifestyle and behavior, and basic skills. Six health problems were involved: scientific healthy concept, prevention of infectious disease, prevention of chronic disease, safety and first aid, basic medical and others. Chi-square test and logistic regression were used for data analysis. Results The health literacy ratio was 12.2% (424/3480). In single factor analysis, urban and rural, gender, age, education, job, income were affecting factors of health literacy (P<0.05). Multiple regression analysis showed that the odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) of urban vs rural areas was 1.558 (1.234-1.966), OR (95%CI) of primary school vs illiteracy was 4.651 (2.327-9.295), OR (95%CI) of junior high school vs illiteracy was 9.833 (5.121-18.880), OR (95% CI) of senior high school vs illiteracy was 15.451 (7.798-30.615), and OR (95% CI) of undergraduate vs illiteracy was 22.937 (10.766-48.870). In addition, OR (95%CI) was 3.789 (1.292-11.114) when medical personnel was compared with civil servants, and OR (95%CI) was 1.478 (1.149-1.901) when adults whose household income over ￥30 000 was compard with those below ￥30 000. Conclusion The rate of health literacy among Huaian residents was 12.2%. Health literacy intervention and monitoring should be strengthened and the preventive control measures should be established to improve residents' health literacy. Key words: Health literacy; Questionnaires; Logistic models