The Relationship Between Health Literacy and Physical Activity Level Among Malaysians: Using the Malaysian Healthy Lifestyle Index (MHLI) – 2022

Abstract

The role of health literacy (HL) in health promotion is globally recognised, especially when addressing noncommunicable diseases (NCD). Physical activity (PA) is a renowned factor that improves health and helps to control NCD. However, the association between HL and PA level among Malaysians remains scarce. Thus, this study sought to determine the relationship between HL and PA level among Malaysians. We analysed cross-sectional data of the Malaysian Healthy Lifestyle Index Survey-2022. HL level was obtained from the 18 HL questions on the ability to evaluate and act upon the decision on practising healthy lifestyle and categorised as limited, sufficient and excellent. The PA level was measured from the adapted International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and categorized as active Health-Enhancing Physical Activity (HEPA), minimal active and non-active. The cultivating PA culture in daily life was assessed using 6 questions related to practicing PA. Chi-square analysis was used to explore the association between HL and PA level among Malaysians. 9,264 Malaysians aged 18 years and above participated in the MHLI survey with 53.5% female and 46.5% male. Chi-square analysis using Cramer’s V revealed that there was a significantly small to medium relationship between HL and PA level, V=0.101, p=0.001. It was found that 30.1% participants with excellent HL level and active HEPA, while 27.3% with limited HL and non-active. There was a significant correlation between HL and cultivating PA practices in daily living among Malaysians, despite the degree of correlation is weak (r=0.241). Previous studies from other countries suggested a higher level of HL is generally associated with higher PA level. However, in this study, it was found that there is a lack of translation of health information obtained into practices among Malaysians. Therefore, integrating HL in interventions to promote PA could be a useful approach.