Factors affecting the impact of health literacy on depression in older adults

초록

This study aimed to examine the relationship between health literacy and depression among older adults in South Korea, focusing on gender differences and the moderating effect of subjective health perception. Methods: Using data from the 9th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES, 2023), a total of 1,552 participants aged 65 and above (695 men and 857 women) were analyzed. Complex sample analyses, including descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t-tests, ANOVA, and hierarchical regression analyses, were conducted using SPSS WIN 25.0.Significant gender differences were observed in marital status, health insurance type, smoking behavior, health literacy, and depression levels. Men demonstrated higher health literacy, whereas women reported higher subjective health perception and depression scores. Health literacy showed a significant moderating effect on depression in both genders—higher health literacy was associated with lower depressive symptoms (men: β = –.16, p < .001; women: β = – .12, p < .001). Subjective health perception also significantly influenced depression across both groups. Conclusion: Health literacy plays a crucial role in mitigating depression among older adults and interacts with perceived health status. Gender-specific and cognitively tailored interventions are needed to enhance health literacy and promote mental health in the aging population. Developing accessible and understandable health information is essential to prevent depression and support psychological well-being among older adults in the digital era.

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