Media health literacy predicts preventive health behaviors: findings from a nationally matched survey.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To produce the first validated measurement of Adult Media Health Literacy (AMHL) and examine associations between scores on the new index and eight specific health behaviors and outcomes.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2023 with a non-probability sample of 589 U.S. adults ages 25-64, matched to national census demographics for age, gender, race, and education. The survey included the AMHL Index and outcome measures on smoking, vaping, vaccination, annual exams, mammography, colon cancer screening, and chronic health status. The predictive validity of the Index was evaluated using PLS-SEM. Covariate-adjusted linear and logistic regression models assessed the relationship between participants' composite scores and reported health behaviors and out

SUBMITTER: Ashtari SH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12518239 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature