The impact of different health literacies on health behaviors and real-life effects of COVID-19

Abstract

Our previous study demonstrated that infection prevention behaviors can be divided into six types characterized by health literacy. This study examined the effects of differences among these types on physical and mental health, daily life problems, and vaccination behavior. The participants (N=3,000, 558 men and 442 women, Mean age 52.53±15.75 years) responded to a questionnaire survey in January 2021. The results indicated that the different characteristics of each segment in terms of their impact on physical health, mental health and real-life impacts. Three segments were identified as high-risk for promoting infection prevention behaviors. The “Over-vigilance/social defense” factor delayed the detection of severe illnesses by curtailing hospital visits, which could exacerbate future health risks. Moreover, the “Threat denial” and the “Optimism/affinity for false rumors” factor decreased infection prevention behaviors by failing to encourage vaccination and interfering with related health behaviors. We have discussed the need to avoid excessive messaging when information is presented repeatedly.