Healthcare Literacy and the Access to Healthcare Services by the Elderly in Bagamoyo District, Pwani Region, Tanzania

Limited healthcare literacy among elderly populations in Bagamoyo district, Tanzania, impairs their ability to navigate healthcare systems, understand medical instructions, and make informed health decisions. Despite various initiatives, a significant knowledge gap exists in understanding how healthcare literacy levels influence elderly individuals' access to healthcare services. Anchored in the Social Determinants of Health (SDH) theory, this study aimed to determine the effect of healthcare literacy on access to healthcare services among the elderly in Bagamoyo district. The mixed-method research design employed a pragmatic approach, targeting elderly individuals aged 60 years and above attending health facilities. Using Krejcie and Morgan's formula and a proportional formula, a sample size of 239 respondents was determined, with 237 participants ultimately included. Data collection utilized structured questionnaires, key informant interviews (KIIs), and focus group discussions (FGDs), focusing on education levels, healthcare awareness, and health information comprehension. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for quantitative analysis, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Linear regression results revealed a significant positive relationship between healthcare literacy and access to healthcare services (coefficient=2.501, p-value=0.000), with the model explaining 5.6% of the variance. Qualitative findings highlighted challenges in healthcare delivery and education, emphasizing the need to adapt communication styles to ensure comprehension and adherence to medical advice. The study concludes that healthcare literacy plays a critical role in shaping health outcomes among elderly populations in rural settings like Bagamoyo district. It recommends prioritizing healthcare literacy in healthcare provision strategies through tailored education campaigns, multi-channel health communication platforms, and enhanced provider-patient communication. Keywords: Healthcare Literacy, Access to Healthcare Services, Elderly, Bagamoyo District, Pwani Region, Tanzania