Exploring the Association Between Health Literacy and Psychological Well-Being Among Industry Managers in Germany

J Occup Environ Med. 2018 Aug;60(8):743-753. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001324.

Abstract

Objective: Industry managers are typically exposed to high work demands but have received limited attention by research, particularly concerning the issue of health literacy and how this relates to their psychological well-being. The aim of this study was to explore the association between health literacy and psychological well-being among managers in Germany.

Methods: An online survey of a sample of 126 commercial industry managers was conducted. Effects of health literacy on psychological well-being (WHO-5 index) were investigated using path analysis.

Results: The findings show a quarter of managers were classified as having poor well-being. Health literacy, namely the facets self-regulation (β = 0.40, P < 0.001), self-perception (β = 0.26, P < 0.001), self-control (β = 0.25, P < 0.01), and proactive approach to health (β = 0.09, P < 0.05), were positively associated with psychological well-being.

Conclusion: The study indicates that higher health literacy is associated with decreased risk of poor well-being.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administrative Personnel / psychology*
  • Adult
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Cooperative Behavior
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Germany
  • Health Literacy*
  • Humans
  • Industry
  • Information Technology
  • Male
  • Mental Health*
  • Middle Aged
  • Self Concept
  • Self-Control
  • Surveys and Questionnaires