The association between health literacy and subjective health status among cancer patients

Objectives: To investigate the association between health literacy and subjective health status among cancer patients aged 40 years and older. Methods: Data from 460 participants were analyzed. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests analyses were conducted to examine participant characteristics according to subjective health status. Differences in health literacy levels were assessed using one-way analysis of variance, and ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between health literacy and subjective health status. Results: Health literacy, education level, and income level were significantly associated with subjective health status among cancer patients. Patients with higher levels of health literacy were more likely to perceive their health positively. In addition, education level showed a clear gradient in subjective health perceptions. Income level was also significantly associated with subjective health status. Conclusion: Both health literacy and education level meaningfully influence how cancer patients perceive their health. Enhancing patients’ capacity to understand health information, particularly among those with lower educational attainment, may reduce disparities in health perceptions. Additionally, incorporating health literacy–responsive communication into cancer care has the potential to promote more equitable, patient-centered healthcare.