Health literacy strengths and challenges of Australian smokers: a cluster analysis

Smoking tobacco continues to be a leading cause of death and disease. This study aimed to provide health literacy profiles which include strengths and challenges of Australian adults who smoke, to identify their needs and inform future smoking interventions. We conducted a cross-sectional survey using the Health Literacy Questionnaire to measure and describe the health literacy profiles. A total of 563 Australian adults who smoke completed the questionnaire. Data were analysed using hierarchical cluster analysis with Ward's method for linkage. Ten clusters were identified as the optimal cluster solution. These clusters had distinct health literacy profiles with diverse needs and demographic characteristics. Most participants self-reported strengths in understanding health information well enough to know what to do, but identified challenges in navigating the healthcare system. This cluster analysis revealed that Australian adults who smoke have varying health literacy competencies and needs. These findings can be used to educate stakeholders and to inform tailored interventions to support people who smoke to quit smoking.