Exploring The Relationship Between Health Literacy And Disease Prevention In Nigeria

• Phillips Panotani Asaph

  Adamawa State University, Mubi, Faculty of Social Sciences, Communication and Media Studies, Department of Economics

  Author

• Zakariyau Buba

  Department of Economics, Adamawa State College of Education, Hong

  Author

• Ayuba Barem Mboh

  Adamawa State University, Mubi, Faculty of Social Sciences, Communication and Media Studies, Department of Economics

  Author

Health literacy plays a crucial role in disease prevention by influencing individuals' ability to access, understand, and apply health information for informed decision making. In Nigeria, where communicable and non-communicable diseases remain significant public health concerns, low health literacy exacerbates health disparities, leading to poor disease management, increased healthcare costs, and higher mortality rates. This study explores the relationship between health literacy and disease prevention in Nigeria, focusing on the impact of literacy levels on preventive health behaviors. Using a descriptive research design, data were collected from 500 respondents across urban and rural areas. The study employed logistic regression analysis to examine the association between health literacy and engagement in preventive behaviors such as vaccination uptake, regular health screenings, hygiene practices, and malaria prevention. Findings indicate that individuals with higher health literacy are significantly more likely to adopt preventive health measures, while barriers such as misinformation, low education levels, and financial constraints hinder health literacy improvement. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions, including community based health education, media-driven awareness campaigns, and integration of health literacy programs into school curricula. Strengthening health literacy in Nigeria is critical for reducing disease prevalence and improving overall public health outcomes. 

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