This study explores the mediating role of health behavior efficacy on the relationship between individual factors and health literacy in elderly populations. Using the Integrative Model of eHealth Use (IMeHU), this research examined how demographic variables such as age, gender, and health status influence health literacy through the lens of health behavior efficacy. A sample of 553 elderly participants was surveyed using standardized questionnaires assessing health behavior efficacy (focusing on psychological well-being, physical activity, and health responsibility) and health literacy (covering the dimensions of accessing, understanding, applying, and communicating health information). Results revealed that health behavior efficacy significantly mediated the relationship between individual factors and health literacy. Psychological well-being played a mediating role in the relationships between health concerns and both the acquisition and application of health information. Health responsibility also mediated the relationship between health concerns and the ability to communicate health information. These findings suggest that enhancing psychological well-being and health responsibility could empower elderly individuals to access, understand, and use health information more effectively, contributing to better health outcomes. The study's insights highlight the need for tailored interventions to improve health literacy among the elderly by focusing on strengthening health behavior efficacy.

Authors:
Wan-Chen Hsu, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Wan-Chen Hsu is a University Associate Professor/Senior Lecturer at National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology in Taiwan

See this presentation on the full schedule – Saturday Schedule

Bookmark