Abstract

Sexual and reproductive health remains a critical concern for public health and development in South Africa, where elevated rates of teenage pregnancy, unplanned pregnancies, and unsafe abortions pose significant threats to women's well-being. Increasing health literacy in a population can reduce poor sexual and reproductive health outcomes aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health and well-being. Health literacy, a critical determinant of population health, is an essential tool for preventing and managing health challenges. Recognising its association with health outcomes, there is a pressing need to assess health literacy levels in diverse contexts.
Methods: Utilizing the South African Demographic and Health Survey, factor analysis was employed to extract a singular health literacy indicator, reflecting multiple dimensions. A logistic regression model was fitted using the health literacy indicator.
Results: The developed health literacy indicator demonstrated reliable internal consistency. Results revealed marked differences in health literacy levels based on gender, education, and geographical residence. Additionally, regional disparities in health literacy were identified.
Conclusion: This research underscores the urgent need to address health literacy as a strategic tool for mitigating poor sexual and reproductive health outcomes in South Africa. The insights gained from this study may inform targeted interventions and policies to enhance health literacy and, consequently, improve sexual and reproductive health across diverse populations.