Challenging the association between health literacy and health: the role of conversion factors

Rüegg, René; Abel, Thomas (2021). Challenging the association between health literacy and health: the role of conversion factors Health Promotion International, 37(1), pp. 1-11. Oxford University Press ; HighWire Press 10.1093/heapro/daab054

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Previous studies have found substantial correlations between health literacy and various health outcomes. However, the role of social and personal factors in those links remains understudied. Applying a moderation approach, we assume that these factors function as conversion factors on the associations between health literacy and health outcomes. Consequently, we test if associations between health literacy and health outcomes are stronger among young male adults who score high in conversion factors compared to those who score low. Cross-sectional data from the Young Adult Survey Switzerland were used for the analyses (n=9339, age=18-25). Multiple logistic regression analyses were applied to estimate associations between health literacy and health. Moderator analyses with three conversion factors and five health outcomes were conducted. For each health outcome at least one conversion factor moderated the association between health literacy and health according to the hypothesis. Although strength and form of the moderation effect differ across analyses, generally stronger associations were found among groups with beneficial social or personal factors. The present findings support the hypothesis that conversion factors play a crucial role in the associations between health literacy and health. The findings, thus, point towards a potential risk of linear health literacy approaches that assume equal benefits from increased health literacy. Individuals with beneficial social and personal factors (those already privileged) may enjoy greater health benefits from interventions improving health literacy.

Item Type:	Journal Article (Original Article)
Division/Institute:	School of Social Work > Social Organisation focus area School of Social Work School of Social Work > Institute for Organisation and Social Service Management
Name:	Rüegg, René0000-0002-7276-7265 and Abel, Thomas0000-0001-6740-1149
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) R Medicine > R Medicine (General) R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
ISSN:	0957-4824
Publisher:	Oxford University Press ; HighWire Press
Language:	English
Submitter:	René Rüegg
Date Deposited:	26 May 2021 11:44
Last Modified:	20 Feb 2022 01:34
Publisher DOI:	10.1093/heapro/daab054
ARBOR DOI:	10.24451/arbor.14878
URI:	https://arbor.bfh.ch/id/eprint/14878