Associations between health literacy and sociodemographic factors: A cross-sectional study in Malaysia utilising the HLS-M-Q18

Health literacy is progressively seen as an indicator to describe a nations health status. To improve health literacy, countries need to address health inequalities by examining different social demographic factors across the population. This assessment is crucial to identify and evaluate strengths and limitations of a country in addressing health issues. By addressing these health inequalities, a country would be better informed to take necessary steps to improve the nations health literacy. This study examines health literacy levels in Malaysia and analyses socio-demographic factors that are associated with health literacy. A cross-sectional survey was carried out using the HLS-M-Q18 instrument which was validated for the Malaysian population. Multi-stage random sampling strategy was used in this study utilising several sampling techniques including quota sampling, cluster sampling and simple random sampling to allow random data collection. A total of 855 respondents were sampled. Results found significant associations between health literacy and age, health status and health problems. Findings also suggest that lower health literacy levels were found to be associated with the younger generation. The findings of this study have provided baseline data of the health literacy of Malaysians and provide evidence toward potential areas of intervention.