Korean Journal of Security Convergence Management · Jan 31, 2026
Association between Health Literacy and Fall Risk with Among Korean Older Adults: Using 2023 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
By Roh MY
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between health literacy and fall risk among community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: Using data from the 2023 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1,411 older adults with no missing values for the main variables were selected as study participants. In accordance with the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey guidelines, the complex sampling design was accounted for when examining associations among sociodemographic, health-related, and psychological characteristics, health literacy, and fall rates, and hierarchical logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the effect of health literacy on falls. RESULTS: Older adults with inadequate health literacy were found to have a higher likelihood of falling. Health status and psychological factors, including increasing age, poorer self-rated health, smoking, and depressed mood, were also found to increase fall risk. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study confirmed that health literacy among older adults is closely related to fall risk. Therefore, various policy interventions that can strengthen health literacy and promote participation in preventive behaviors are needed to reduce fall risk and improve quality of life among older adults.