Factors Affecting the Men’s Health Literacy in Malaysia

Abstract

Men's average life expectancy in Malaysia is about 5 years less than women's. There are certain health hurdles that men encounter more than women. Men often have health issues that go undiagnosed or are ignored. Men in general feel that exhibiting emotion and grief makes them look vulnerable. This socially ingrained worldview has misled males and unconsciously educated them to believe that seeking medical attention demonstrates weakness. This may be an indication of the lack of health knowledge and inadequate use of health care services among male Malaysians. This research is an effort to investigate the factors affecting health literacy among men in Malaysia. Using HLS-M-Q18 and primary data of 251 men, this research applied a multiple regression model to examine the influence of various social and health-related factors. The findings show that education level, income, poor health condition, and regular medical consultancy increase the men’s health literacy in Malaysia. The findings of this study also indicate that BMI and religion, on the other hand, have no impact on health literacy levels in Malaysia. While men are given equal healthcare opportunities, addressing the perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs associated with men's health typically needs more careful consideration. The findings of this study hope to assist the policy formulation regarding men's health awareness in Malaysia.