Assessment of Health Literacy Level and Associated Factors Among Urban Adult Population in Thailand: A Cross Sectional Study
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Abstract
Background: Health literacy reflects individuals’ abilities to access, process, and understand essential health information for appropriate decision-making. Despite health literacy’s importance, especially emphasized by the World Health Organization, research in urban populations remains limited. This study therefore examines the health literacy level of urban adults and identifies factors influencing their health literacy.
Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2024 to April 2025 at the Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic and the Primary Care Unit of Vajira Hospital.
Methods: The study included 524 participants ranging in age from 35 to 75 years, living in the urban area. The Thai Health Literacy Scale was used as an assessment tool. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were conducted in the data analysis of this study to explore factors affecting the level of health literacy.
Results: Of the 524 participants, the majority were 35–59 years old (57.06%), with most being female (65.65%). The results from the health literacy assessment showed that 62.60% had inadequate health literacy. An inadequate level of health literacy was associated with older age, having never had a health check-up, and receiving services at pharmacies.
Conclusion: The results suggested that the majority of the participants had inadequate health literacy. Thus, promoting and educating people living in urban areas about health literacy should be implemented to improve and care for their health effectively and sustainably.
Keywords: health literacy, adult, urban area
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