The impact of information encountering on the health literacy of older adults in health science short videos
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47989/ir31ISIC65241Keywords:
Information encountering, Health science short video, Health literacy, Older adults, HealthAbstract
Introduction. This study investigates the role of information encountering through health science short videos in the development of health literacy among older adults. It aims to provide empirical evidence on whether and how passive information exposure influences older adults’ health literacy.
Method. An offline survey was conducted in China, yielding 306 valid questionnaires. The analysis employed ordinary least squares regression combined with propensity score matching to identify the effect of information encountering on health literacy.
Analysis. Quantitative analysis of the survey data was performed, focusing on comparing health literacy outcomes between older adults who experienced information encountering and those who did not, while controlling for relevant demographic and behavioural variables.
Results. The results show that 71.24% of respondents have experienced information encountering in health science short videos. These individuals demonstrated a higher level of health literacy than those who did not. Furthermore, gender, higher education, social media use, and active health information seeking were associated with higher health literacy, while these same factors, along with residing in rural areas, retirement, chronic diseases, and poorer health status, predicted a higher likelihood of information encountering.
Conclusion. Information encountering represents a significant mechanism for improving health literacy among older adults. These findings emphasise the importance of passive information channels in health promotion and offer both theoretical insights and practical implications for enhancing health literacy in aging populations.
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