Factors associated with limited health literacy in a culturally diverse population in Finland: a cross-sectional study

Limited health literacy (HL) has been associated with many adverse health outcomes. Limited HL contributes to adverse outcomes; however, evidence on effective strategies to enhance it remains limited. In this study, we examined HL prevalence in the general Finnish and migrant origin populations and investigate which sociodemographic, health-related, and migration-related factors are associated with limited HL. Data were collected from 2022 to 2023 as part of the cross-sectional population surveys Terve Suomi and MoniSuomi. The analysis included individuals aged 20–74 years (n = 9717), with HL assessed using the HLS19-Q12. Logistic regressions were used to investigate the association between population, sex, age, living alone, region of residence, education, economic activity, income difficulties, language skills, length of residence, and self-rated health (SRH) with limited HL. A prevalence of limited HL was observed in 15% (95% CI: 13.2–15.9) of the general population and 42% (95% CI: 40.1–43.4) of the migrant-origin population in Finland. Across both groups, limited HL was more likely among individuals with a migration background, unemployment or student status, income difficulties, living alone, lower educational attainment, and average or poor SRH. Among migrants, limited HL was additionally associated with less-than-excellent proficiency in Finnish or Swedish. Limited HL is much more prevalent among the migrant-origin population, highlighting substantial disparities linked to socioeconomic disadvantage, living circumstances, and language proficiency. Earlier efforts to promote HL following migration and greater language inclusion is needed.