Assessing the association between Health Literacy and Health-Related Lifestyle Behaviors Among the older adults in Pathum Thani, Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Purpose: The study explores the relationship between socio-demographic factors, health literacy, and health-related behavior (HLB) among elderly individuals in Pathum Thani, Thailand.Methods: A total of 440 elderly participants were selected through convenience sampling and completed surveys assessing socio-demographic factors, health literacy, and health perception of illness. The data were analyzed using multiple linear regression to identify predictors of HLB.Results: In the final model, marital status (married), higher income levels, income sufficiency, and living with family were significant predictors of HLB (p<.05). Health literacy was a significant positive predictor (β=.18, p<.01), while illness perception also showed a significant positive effect (β=.12, p<.001). The model explained 38% of the variance in HLB (R²=.38). Notably, health literacy and illness perception contributed additional explanatory power beyond socio-demographic factors.Conclusion: Both socio-demographic and cognitive factors play important roles in shaping health-related behaviors among older adults. Interventions should prioritize improving health literacy and promoting appropriate illness perceptions to enhance healthy behaviors in this population.