The Impact of Media Exposure on Medication Adherence Among Adults with Chronic Diseases: The Mediating Role of Health Literacy

Abstract Background Medication adherence is a critical factor in managing chronic diseases. The previous research has focused on the impact of media exposure on medication adherence, yet the underlying mechanisms through which this influence occurs have not been thoroughly examined. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Psychological and Behavioral Investigation of Chinese Residents (PBICR). The final sample included 1,221 adults with chronic diseases. Medication adherence was measured using the Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS), health literacy was assessed using the HLS-SF12, and media exposure was evaluated through a self-reported questionnaire. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis to examine the mediating effect of health literacy. Results Media exposure was positively correlated with both health literacy (r = 0.359, p < 0.001) and medication adherence (r = 0.091, p < 0.01). Health literacy also showed a significant positive correlation with medication adherence (r = 0.146, p < 0.001). Mediation analysis revealed that health literacy partially mediated the relationship between media exposure and medication adherence, accounting for 17.9% of the total effect. Conclusion Media exposure positively influences medication adherence among adults with chronic diseases, and health literacy plays a significant mediating role in this relationship. Interventions aimed at improving health literacy through media could enhance medication adherence in this population.