Current status of health literacy among residents in Yixing City in 2017

ObjectiveTo ascertain the health literacy level and its influencing factors of Yixing residents, to find out regional characteristics and weak links in this regard, and to exercise the data analysis and processing capabilities of grassroots health education staff.

MethodsMulti-stage stratified cluster sampling methods were used to investigate 640 residents of 15-69 years old with the national residents' health literacy questionnaire.The results were analyzed by general description and chi-square test.

ResultsIn 2017, the health literacy level of residents in Yixing City was 20.36%.Of the three dimensions, the level of healthy lifestyle and behavior was the highest, while the level of basic knowledge and philosophy the lowest; the highest level of the 6 health problems was safety and first aid, and the lowest level was basic medical care, followed by chronic disease prevention.The factors affecting residents' health literacy were region, age and education level.

ConclusionThere is still space for improvement in the health literacy level of residents in Yixing City.It is necessary to intervene in groups with different characteristics in this regard.The whole society should work together to create a healthy cultural environment, continuously improving the health literacy of residents.