ObjectiveTo determine the levels of health literacy and its influencing factors among residents in Changning District of Shanghai, and to provide evidence for the establishment of public health policy and intervention measures.

MethodsA total of 1 760 subjects, ranging from 15 to 69 years, were selected by using a multi-stage stratified sampling for a questionnaire survey.Chi-square test was used for univariate analysis and logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis.

ResultsIn 2019, the overall health literacy level of residents was 29.1% in Changning District.The proportions of the subjects with basic knowledge and awareness, healthy lifestyle and behavior, and basic health skills were 40.4%, 26.1% and 31.5%, respectively.In the sex dimensions of health literacy, the percentage of respondents with scientific health perception (61.3%) ranked the top, followed by safety and first-aid (59.4%), health information (46.7%), chronic disease prevention (32.5%), basic medical care (26.3%) and infectious disease prevention (25.2%).The ranking sequence of the dimensions remained consistent across the sub-populations stratified by demographics.Multivariate analysis showed that age and registered residence were determined to be associated with health literacy.

ConclusionHealthy lifestyles and behavior, chronic disease prevention, basic medical care and infectious disease prevention may be weak dimensions in health literacy among residents in Changning District.Non-local registered residents have the lowest health literacy level.Therefore, targeted health education and intervention should be conducted by using multiple methods in the at-risk population to improve the health literacy in Changning District.