Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Adults: Its Association with Health Literacy, Self-Efficacy, Social Support, and Health-Promoting Behavior

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the relationships among sociodemographics, health literacy, self-efficacy, social support, health-promoting behavior, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in older adults. A total of 240 older adults aged >65 years were recruited from three community senior welfare centers in South Korea. Standardized self-administered questionnaires measuring sociodemographic characteristics, health literacy, social support, self-efficacy, health-promoting behavior, and health-related quality of life were distributed to older adults. Multiple regression analyses with stepwise selection was used to determine the factors affecting health-related quality of life. Factors affecting a higher physical component score of HRQOL were a higher comprehension level of and numeracy in health literacy, physical health-promoting behavior, perceived emotional–informational support, and a lesser number of comorbidities. Factors affecting a higher mental component score of HRQOL were a higher comprehension level of and numeracy in health literacy, self-efficacy, physical health-promoting behavior, perceived emotional–informational support, and a lesser number of comorbidities. To improve HRQOL among older adults, nursing interventions are required to measure health literacy, empower physical health-promoting behavior and self-efficacy, and enhance emotional–informational support from family or other resources.

The Relationship between E-Health Literacy and Health-Promoting Behaviors in Nursing Students: A Multiple Mediation Model

“…A study that investigated the mediators of health literacy in HIV patients [ 32 ], which included knowledge and behavioral skills related to HIV, found that self-management was promoted in HIV patients via health literacy, suggesting that there is a relationship between e-health literacy and self-care agency. A study by Lee and Oh [ 33 ] also reported a correlation among health literacy, self-care agency, and health-promoting behaviors, and explained how health literacy enhances self-care agency. This is interpreted as a result of promoting health-promoting behavior.…”

Verification of the Mediating Effect of Social Support on Physical Activity and Aging Anxiety of Korean Pre-Older Adults

“…However, there are few studies of how social support affects aging anxiety among older persons. The available studies indicate that social support and lifestyle have a positive effect on the health of the elderly [71,72]. The current study was limited to the elderly in Korea.…”

Health Literacy as a Major Contributor to Health-Promoting Behaviors among Korean Teachers

“…A prospective study showed a strong decrease in mortality risk associated with increasing numbers of positive health behaviors [ 7 ]. Health-promoting behaviors are crucial determinants of health and wellbeing that relate to quality of life [ 8 , 9 ] and life satisfaction [ 9 ].…”