Senior Citizens Science Literacy and Health Self-efficacy Beliefs

The communication of scientific knowledge about health related issues, and the enhancement of science literacy, has been generally recognized as an important factor in relation to lifelong learning about health. The significance of health self-efficacy beliefs has been emphasised in this respect. The study used the Perceived Health Competence Scale (PHCS) to examine the health self-efficacy of senior citizens 60 years and older. A total of 176 participants were divided in two age groups, 87 participants were 60 to 67 years old and 89 participants were 68 years or older. Seniors aged 60 to 67 years with primary education scored significantly lower on four out of eight statements, than those who had higher education, while seniors 68 years and older with primary education scored significantly lower for one statement. Taken together, the results indicate that senior citizens with primary education believe less strongly in their capabilities to effectively managing their health than seniors with higher education.