Socio-ecological factors of health literacy and physical activity among middle-aged and older Chinese adults

Using an exploratory and variable-screening framework, this study identified a small set of socio-ecological correlates associated with PA and HL among middle-aged and older Chinese adults. Given the cross-sectional design, convenience sampling, and predominantly urban and well-educated sample, the findings should be interpreted as descriptive and hypothesis-generating rather than causal. Future studies using longitudinal designs and more representative samples are needed to confirm these associations and clarify their underlying mechanisms.