Current status and influencing factors of health literacy among older adults in combined medical and nursing care institutions: a cross-sectional study

Introduction Health literacy is linked to the health status of older adults and is a critical component in achieving active aging. This study to characterize the current health literacy status among older adults in combined medical and nursing care institutions, as well as the factors that influenced this status.Methods This cross-sectional study used a convenience sampling method to select 740 older adults who were in 16 combined medical and nursing care institutions in Chengdu, China, from July 2022 to June 2023, using the Health Literacy Management Scale, the Social Support Rating Scale, and the Short Form-36 Health Survey.Results The results showed a health literacy score of 75.25 +/- 12.33, the percentage of older adults with basic health literacy was 6.33%, a social support score of 37.37 +/- 6.10, and a health-related quality of life score of 55.34 +/- 15.48. Factors influencing health literacy included age, educational level, previous occupation, family size, monthly per capita household income, and health-related quality of life.Discussion Health literacy is an essential factor in improving the health status of older adults. Relevant departments should therefore improve health education and health promotion interventions for older adults in combined medical and nursing care institutions to improve health literacy.