Factors Associated with Health Literacy and Ease of Following a Healthy Lifestyle

Abstract

This quantitative survey with 461 respondents living in Finland is based on a statistical analysis of the participants’ responses to structured questions. The study examined which sociodemographic and health-related factors were associated with self-rated health literacy and ease of following a healthy lifestyle. The information that can help healthcare professionals and policy-makers develop health literacy guidance for citizens. Consistent with earlier research, the study linked lower health literacy with older age and higher level of education with better health literacy. Higher education was also associated with the ease of following a healthy lifestyle, apparent as self-efficacy and perceived benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Health literacy was higher in larger families, compared to individuals living alone. People with better health literacy rated their health better and reported healthier eating habits. The results seem compatible with the findings that health literacy is positively associated with health-promoting behaviors and that self-efficacy and beliefs about perceived benefits are linked to their adoption. If a causal relationship from health literacy to improved health is presumed, it would seem that besides older adults, alone-living individuals would benefit from an investment in the promotion of health literacy.