“Exploring the components of health literacy in older adults: a qualitative content analysis approach”

Abstract

Background: Given the growing population of older adults, it is necessary to evaluate their health literacy to plan health promotion programs for this population. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the components of older adults’ health literacy. Methods: The present study utilizes a qualitative research design which contains a content analysis approach. The research was conducted in two phases: a narrative review study and semi-structured interviews. After collecting and analyzing data related to these two phases, the findings will finally be combined, and the factors affecting the health literacy of the elderly will be identified. Results: During the semi-structured interview phase, a total of 7 older individuals were interviewed, comprising 5 men and 2 women, with a mean age of 66.85 ± 5.36 years. The main themes extracted from this phase were categorized into six general categories: Knowledge and general information, media and quality of education, motivation and self-efficacy, access to resources, psychological and social status, and healthy behaviors. Among the 28 related studies, seven main themes (healthy lifestyle, perception and attention, health facilities provision, quality of media education, independence, information evaluation, and sociodemographic status) were extracted. Conclusions: Based on the findings, the themes affecting older adults’ health literacy include: (1) healthy lifestyle; (2) perception and knowledge; (3) access to health resources; (4) media and quality of education; (5) motivation and independence; and (6) psychosocial status. The findings will help in planning interventions to boost health literacy in older adults.