Everyday health information literacy among young men compared with adults with high risk for metabolic syndrome – a cross-sectional population-based study

Abstract

This cross-sectional population-based study aims at identifying differences in the aspects of everyday health information literacy among young healthy men and adults with an increased risk for metabolic syndrome. Data were collected with a self-assessment-based 10-item screening tool administered at the Finnish Defence Force’s call-ups ( n=2507, response rate 59%) and at health intervention study ( n=571, response rate 98%). Adults with increased risk for metabolic syndrome seemed to value health information but had more difficulty in knowing who to believe in health issues and understanding the terminology used. The difficulties applied especially to respondents 35 years old or over. Men, and especially young men, had lower motivation than women to seek health information. Although the results are indicative, the everyday health information literacy screening tool seems to be useful in revealing areas that health communication should be focused on among different populations.