Health literacy and barriers to health information seeking: A nationwide survey in South Korea

Abstract

ObjectiveTo identify the level of health literacy and barriers to information seeking and to explore the predictors of health literacy. MethodsA cross-sectional descriptive design was used. A total of 1000 Korean adults were recruited through proportional quota sampling. Health literacy, barriers to health information seeking, sociodemographics, and health-related characteristics were surveyed. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were performed for data analysis. ResultsAbout 61% of participants were classified as inadequately health literate. “No health fairs/activities near home” was the most frequently reported barrier. Older age, lower education, living in the capital city, barriers regarding how to get information and access to expensive books and magazines were predictors of inadequate health literacy. ConclusionStrategies for improving health literacy and reducing barriers to health information seeking should be designed. Education on how to access health-related information with easily accessible sources either free or inexpensive could be a way to help adults with limited health literacy. Practice implicationsHealth care professionals should assess clients’ health literacy levels, particularly amongst those who are older or have less education. They should provide clients with information on how to access credible and readily available sources of health-related information, considering their health literacy level.