Majority of South Koreans Can Understand Health Data, But Disparities Exist
Seoul, South Korea – A new study reveals that six in ten South Koreans possess the necessary skills to understand and utilize health information effectively. However,significant gaps in health literacy persist,especially among older adults and those with lower socioeconomic status,raising concerns about equitable access to vital health resources.
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and prevention (KCDC) published the findings in the latest issue of Epidemiology and Health,detailing an analysis of data from the 2023 national Health and Nutrition Survey.The study aimed to assess the nation’s capacity to comprehend health information and identify vulnerable populations requiring targeted support.
Health literacy, as defined by the KCDC, encompasses the ability to locate, understand, and apply health-related information when making decisions about one’s well-being. Recognizing the need for a culturally relevant assessment, the KCDC developed a specialized measurement tool in 2022. this tool was then applied to a sample of 5,906 adults nationwide in 2023, revealing that 60.4% demonstrated “appropriate” levels of health literacy.
The data highlighted key demographic trends. Women exhibited a slightly higher understanding of health information (62.2%) compared to men (58.6%). Age proved to be a significant factor, with younger adults demonstrating considerably higher literacy rates. Individuals in their 20s reported a 70.5% understanding, nearly double that of those aged 70 and older (36.0%). Furthermore, a clear correlation emerged between socioeconomic status and health literacy, with higher income and education levels associated with greater comprehension.
Interestingly, individuals who actively engaged in healthy behaviors – including abstaining from smoking, maintaining sufficient physical activity, and participating in regular health checkups – consistently demonstrated higher levels of health information understanding.
“We will reorganize the National Health Information Portal House and develop customized health information so that all citizens can easily access and utilize health information, including the elderly or the vulnerable group of health information,” stated Lim Seung-kwan, Director of the KCDC.
The study, titled “Health Literacy in Korea: Findings from the 2023 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey,” underscores the importance of tailored health interaction strategies to address the diverse needs of the South Korean population. The KCDC’s commitment to improving access to clear,accessible health information is crucial for promoting public health and reducing health disparities across the nation.
