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The socioecological framework for health literacy promotion in adult non-formal education: empirical findings and socioecological conceptual framework

Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Rapid population aging, chronic disease prevalence, and digital information overload highlight health literacy as a critical competence for societal health promotion. This exploratory study aims to analyze theoretical dimensions of health literacy, investigate socio-demographic associations within a convenience sample of adult residents in Latvia recruited online, and synthesize these insights into a conceptual framework for health literacy promotion. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods research design was implemented in 2025/2026. Quantitative survey data ( N = 320) were processed using IBM SPSS, conducting correlation analysis and non-parametric rank comparisons. In the qualitative phase, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with key health and education sector experts ( N = 6). Empirical results reveal a moderate positive correlation between information understanding and its practical application ( τ = 0.383, p < 0.001), as well as between information accessibility and understanding in the health promotion domain ( τ = 0.428, p < 0.001). Marital status was statistically significantly associated with the capacity to critically evaluate health information ( H (3) = 10.45, p = 0.015). Reflexive thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke) highlighted barriers such as fragmentation in non-formal education, motivation deficits, and misinformation risks, while emphasizing employer engagement and digital health literacy. The proposed conceptual framework offers a hypothesis-generating, multi-level perspective for designing structured health literacy interventions within adult education environments.
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1930078
Language: English
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7220838310
FWCI:
Cites: 16
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Related to: 10