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영어

Background: Health literacy influences individuals’ understanding and use of health information, affecting their health behaviors. While research has studied the link between health literacy and behaviors or chronic disease management, fewer studies have focused on its impact on non-prescription products and pharmacy use. This study examines the association between health literacy and community pharmacy use, particularly for over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and supplements. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized 2021 Korean Health Panel data and conducted analysis between September and October 2024. Out of 10,024 respondents, 8,541 were included. Health literacy was classified into three levels based on respondents’ scores according to prior research: low (inadequate), intermediate (marginal), and high (adequate). Annual spending on OTC drugs and supplements, as well as the primary source of supplements (pharmacy or non-pharmacy), were analyzed. Logistic regression adjusted for sociodemographic and health-related factors. Results: After adjusting for covariates, no significant association was found between health literacy and OTC drug expenditure (low health literacy: aOR 1.067; 95% CI 0.913-1.246, p=0.481). However, lower health literacy was significantly associated with lower spending on supplements (aOR 1.581; 95% CI 1.332-1.876, p<0.001). It also correlated with a higher likelihood of selecting pharmacies for supplements (aOR 1.443; 95% CI 1.172-1.774, p=0.005). Conclusions: Lower health literacy is linked to reduced supplement product spending and a preference for pharmacies as the main source of supplements. Pharmacists play a crucial role in guiding consumers with low health literacy, potentially improving outcomes through targeted support. through targeted support.