Assessment of Health Literacy and Health Risk Behaviors among Elderly at Assiut City Egypt

Abstract

Elderly people with inadequate health literacy less mindful of health behaviors significance. Study 1: assess health literacy and health risk behaviors among elderly people in Assiut city. Design: descriptive design was utilized in this study. Settings: the study carried out at two geriatric clubs in Assiut city (Geriatric club in Legitimacy Assembly and Geriatric club of Islamic cultural center). Convenient sample was used after (Total coverage of all elderly club members who agreed to participate in the study were included in the study, their number were 200 elderly participants aged 60 years and above). Four tools were used. Tool I: self administrative questionnaire sheet: include personal characteristics and health risk behaviors related questions. Tool II: body mass index calculation. Tool III: assessment of health literacy scale to assess health literacy level. Tool IV: Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine Scale to assess health literacy grade. Results: 75% of elderly participants had inadequate level of health literacy, also there was statistical significant difference between health literacy level and age P=0.034. Conclusion: inadequate health literacy associated with health risk behaviors and over counter medications. Recommendation: Periodical educational program for elderly people to increase health literacy level about health risk behaviors.