Factors influencing health literacy among older adults
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Abstract
Health literacy is a necessary skill to create an appropriated of health behavior thus reducing risk factors and promoting long term life-quality in older adults. This study aimed to explore the influence of factors, such as comorbidity, family support and health information seeking behaviors through online media on health literacy among older adults. The purposive sampling included a total of 148 adults aged 60 and older living in Nonthaburi province. Data were collected using Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), The family APGAR questionnaire, health information seeking behaviors through online media and health literacy. Reliabilities of the questionnaire were .70, .90, .91, and .96, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistic as well as multiple regression.
The results show functional levels of health literacy of 46.85±7.76. The findings reveal that family support score (r = .227, p < 0.01, β = .145, p < .05) and health information seeking behaviors through online media score (r = .631, p < 0.01, β = .599, p < .001) are correlated, predicting health literacy in older adult, with 40.60% (R2 = .406, p < .001). The comorbidity score is not correlate and cannot predict health literacy in older adult.
The study findings indicate that nurses and health care teams should encourage family members in enhancing family relationship and provide health information seeking behaviors through online media in older adults.
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