Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Health Faculty, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
2 Department of Health Education and Promotion, Health Faculty, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Health literacy is an important variable in the promotion and improvement of the
health of all social groups, especially the elderly people. It indicates cognitive and social skills that
specify the individuals’ motivation and ability to access and perceive information using methods
for health retention and improvement. The present research aimed to study health literacy and its
relevant dimensions in a population over 60 years of age in Farsan city.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross‑sectional study on 384 older people in Farsan city was
conducted, using a standard health literacy questionnaire including 33 items and 5 dimensions on
a 5‑point Likert scale for collecting data. Data analysis was done using descriptive and analytical
statistics, using the multiple linear regression analysis.
RESULTS: Among the dimensions, the highest and lowest scores belonged to decision‑making and
reading skill dimensions, respectively. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that among
the demographical variables, education level, age, sex, and job were the best predictors of total
scores of health literacy (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: The health‑related institutions should make effort to improve the elderly people’s
health literacy based on general literacy, using suitable methods with less need to read and paying
attention to personal characteristics.
Keywords
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