Background

Health literacy is recognized as a critical determinant of health outcomes and disease prevention. Individuals with adequate health literacy are more likely to understand health information, engage in preventive behaviors, and effectively manage health risks. Limited health literacy has been associated with poor health outcomes, increased healthcare utilization, and reduced participation in preventive health programs.

Objective

To assess the relationship between health literacy levels and disease prevention practices among adults and identify factors influencing preventive health behaviors.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 650 adults attending community health centers. Health literacy was measured using the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ), while disease prevention practices were assessed using a structured preventive health behavior survey. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Pearson correlation, and multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Among the participants, 42.3% demonstrated adequate health literacy, 35.7% moderate health literacy, and 22.0% limited health literacy. Individuals with higher health literacy scores were significantly more likely to participate in preventive health screenings, vaccination programs, healthy lifestyle practices, and disease prevention behaviors (p < 0.001). Education level, income, age, and access to healthcare information significantly influenced health literacy levels.

Conclusion

Health literacy plays a significant role in promoting disease prevention practices. Strengthening health education initiatives and improving access to understandable health information can enhance preventive health behaviors and reduce disease burden.