Abstract:

Background: Health literacy challenges significantly impact the adult population in Nigeria across multiple dimensions. Current research indicates that health literacy and structured health education remain underdeveloped, with only 38% of adults having access to formal education. While the relationship between health literacy and health-related behaviours has been widely studied in global contexts, there is a notable lack of research specific to Nigerian populations. This study explores the interrelationship between health literacy, levels of educational attainment, and health-related behaviours among adults in Nigeria, aiming to better understand how these factors influence one another and impact health outcomes. Methods: A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing standardized questionnaires adapted from the Health Literacy Survey North Rhine-Westphalia. Education levels were classified according to the International Standard Classification of Education. Data were collected from a purposive sample of 50 men and women aged 30–60 and analysed using computer-assisted descriptive statistics and frequency distributions. Results: Findings revealed that participants with a high level of education (100%) were significantly more likely to seek out and utilized health information compared to those with medium (71%) and low (50%) education attainment. Additionally, 91% of highly educated participants obtained health information from healthcare professionals, whereas participants with medium (33%) and low (62%) education levels relied more on family and friends. Similarly, all participants in the high education group reported practicing health-conscious behaviours, compared to 75% in the medium group and 65% in the low education group. Despite these differences, a majority across all education levels reported difficulties in understanding written health information and a general underutilization of preventive health services. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that although education level and health literacy significantly influence health behaviours, formal education alone does not guarantee the ability to comprehend and apply health information effectively. To improve health outcomes, it is essential to expand access to both formal and informal education, promote structured health education, and support lifelong learning opportunities. Achieving this goal requires increased investment in both the education and health sectors, alongside targeted training for health professionals. Further research on health literacy in Nigeria is recommended to address existing knowledge gaps and to inform the design of context-specific, evidence-based interventions.