Advancing Health Literacy: Gender- and AgeSpecific Approaches to Reducing Health Disparity

Objectives : The purpose of the present study was to investigate the level of health literacy across four different age groups and between genders, as well as the association between different health outcomes and health literacy in Alabama. Methods : The present study extracted a publicly available dataset from the state-based Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a cross-sectional telephone survey. Multiple regression analyses on health literacy across gender and age groups conceptualized by Andersen's behavioral model were conducted to produce unbiased estimates among Alabama adults. Results : There were significant differences in health literacy levels for both female and male participants across age groups in Alabama, as well as associations between gender, age, and health literacy. Educational attainment and health insurance were the most prominent factors associated with the level of health literacy among participants of both genders across all age groups. Conclusion : Implementing health-related educational programs in Alabama communities has the potential to increase health literacy levels and reduce health disparities among the general population. Tailored interventions and programs should target different age groups to meet Alabama adults' varied health-related needs. Establishing standard community-based public health programs and interventions would likely improve overall health literacy and lead to better health outcomes in the state of Alabama.