Supplementing vitamin D through sunlight exposure: health literacy initiates behavior

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to test whether health literacy (HL) is crucial to initiate sunlight exposure behavior (SE). METHODS: We assessed 648 Chinese older adults’ health literacy and their behavior in sunlight exposure. Guided by information-motivation-behavior model, we tested the relationship of HL with SE, in consideration of their knowledge about vitamin D (KN) and attitudes towards sunlight exposure (AT). Structural equation modeling was used. RESULTS: Health literacy was directly associated with SE (standardized parameter estimate = .20, p < .01). Through HL, both KN and AT had indirect relationship with SE. The model had good fit (χ2/df= 2.79; RMSEA = .053, p = .346 (CFI = .95; TLI=.92). CONCLUSION: Acknowledging older adults’ health literacy is crucial when we educate older adults the ways to supplement vitamin D. Other than highlighting the functions and sources of vitamin D, we should assess and enhance their health literacy level. Providing relevant knowledge or making doctor recommendations might not be effective. Training should be focused on individuals with low health literacy who would be less likely to receive sunlight exposure.