Health literacy and self-medication among older adults in rural Thailand: understanding inequities in a digital era.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Inappropriate self-medication and limited health literacy are pressing challenges that contribute to poor health outcomes among older adults. In rural, low-resource settings, these issues are worsened by digital exclusion, which restricts access to reliable health information and informed decision-making.

Objective

To assess the prevalence and determinants of inappropriate medication and health product (M&HP) use among older adults in rural Thailand, reflecting wider disparities in Southeast Asia.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,461 older adults aged ≥60 years, selected through stratified multi-stage sampling from Thailand's Health Regions 7-10, which encompass 20 northeastern provinces. Structured interviews explored health-seeking b

SUBMITTER: Srisaknok T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12529737 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature