Zhenhua Li|Yongquan Tian|Zhicheng Gong|Long Qian
Health Literacy and Regional Heterogeneities in China: A Population-Based Study
Xiangya Hospital Central South University|Central South University|Xiangya Hospital Central South University|Central South University|Xiangya Hospital Central South University|Central South University|Xiangya Hospital Central South University|Central South University
background health literacy essential population health yet studies described geographic variation health literacy china study aimed investigate level health literacy regional heterogeneities well influencing factors health literacy 25 provinces municipalities china methods study conducted among residents aged 1569 years 25 provinces municipalities china 2017 health literacy measured using chinese health literacy scale mapinfo software used map geographic distribution multiple logistic regression used adjust factors associated health literacy level overall regional samples results total 3482 participants included study comprising 1792 515 males 1690 485 females notable geographic variation observed health literacy levels proportion respondents adequate health literacy 223 overall 330 eastern region 231 central region 176 western region proportion adequate health literacy different provinces municipalities ranged 105 xinjiang 470 beijing female odds ratio 1353 95 confidence interval ci 11461597 high education level ranging 2794 ci 14695314 9458 ci 525117036 high economic status ranging 1537 ci 12481891 1850 ci 14982284 good selfrated health status ranging 2793 ci 15345083 3003 ci 16725395 frequent community health education 1588 95 ci 10662365 independently associated adequate health literacy conclusions health literacy level 25 provinces municipalities china relatively low compared developed countries heterogeneities among different regions urban rural areas among different social groups tailored health education promotion strategies needed different subgroups residents