The role of different health information sources in moderating the impact of health literacy on health-related quality of life: evidence from a population-based study in Korea

PurposeHealth literacy is a key aspect of healthy living and is widely recognized as a crucial determinant of health outcomes and disparities. Health literacy enables individuals to make informed decisions by accessing, understanding, and utilizing health-related information effectively. Access to and use of health information are essential for optimal health outcomes. This study explores whether different health information sources, such as active, interpersonal, and passive sources, moderate the relationship between health literacy and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).MethodsThis study analyzed data from the 2021 Korea Health Panel (Version 2.1) including 4164 eligible samples. Health literacy was assessed using the Korean version of the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire. Complex sample analysis was used to compute descriptive statistics of the study variables. To determine the moderating effects of health information sources, this study used Hayes's PROCESS macro (Model 1).ResultsAmong the weighted sample of 16,351,227 participants, 76.1% used active sources to obtain health information, whereas 13.5% and 10.5%, respectively, used interpersonal and passive sources. Regression analysis showed that the moderating effects of health information sources were positively significant. The associations between health literacy and HRQoL were stronger in the interpersonal source group compared to the active or passive source groups.ConclusionThis study highlights the moderating role of interpersonal health information sources in enhancing the relationship between health literacy and health-related quality of life. Interventions targeting interpersonal communication channels may be effective in improving health outcomes, particularly among populations with limited health literacy.