BMC public health
Health literacy and successful aging among elderly patients at Kasr Alainy Hospital: a cross-sectional comparative study
By Ibrahim HS, Raslan EI and Elsebaie EH.
Abstract
Background
Population aging and chronic disease burden are increasing in Egypt. Health literacy (HL) may play a key role in promoting successful aging (SA), but evidence is limited.
Aim
To assess HL and SA and examine their association among elderly patients at Kasr Alainy Hospital.
Methods
A cross-sectional comparative study of 246 participants (123 patients with chronic diseases and 123 healthy controls) aged ≥ 65 years was conducted using the Health Literacy Questionnaire and Successful Aging Scale.
Results
Patients had significantly lower HL and SA scores than controls (p < 0.001). HL was positively correlated with SA (r = 0.612, p < 0.001) and remained the strongest independent predictor in regression analysis. Higher education and income improved SA, while age, rural residence, and smoking negatively affected it.