Association Between Health Literacy and Subjective Health Perception: Analysis of a National Survey in Korea

Background/objectives: With the rapid expansion of Internet-based health information, individuals increasingly rely on digital sources to obtain medical knowledge and manage their health. Health literacy plays a critical role in determining how effectively individuals access, understand, and utilize such information. This study aimed to examine the association between subjective health perception and health information literacy-related indicators among Korean adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized secondary data from the 2019 "Health Information Literacy Improvement Study" conducted by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs. A total of 1000 adults aged 19-69 years were included in the analysis. Participants were categorized into three groups according to subjective health perception (good, normal, and poor). Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were conducted to examine differences. In addition, multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with subjective health perception. Results: Participants with better subjective health perception reported fewer chronic diseases (p < 0.001), healthier dietary behaviors (p < 0.001), and more frequent health information seeking (p = 0.023). They also reported greater ease in finding and understanding health information (p < 0.001). Multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that health information literacy-related factors, including information-seeking behavior and the ability to evaluate information reliability, were significantly associated with subjective health perception. Individuals with fewer chronic diseases and healthier behaviors were less likely to report poor subjective health. Conclusions: Subjective health perception was significantly associated with multiple health information literacy-related indicators and health-seeking behaviors. These findings highlight the importance of improving health information literacy-related competencies to support informed health decision-making and promote positive health perceptions.