Analysis on the health status of residents in rural area of Anhui

Objective The aim of this work was to understand the health status of rural residents in Anhui and find the weak points so as to provide practical guidance for health education and promotion measures. Methods Three sample counties in Anhui province were chosen according to the geographical features and economic levels. Questionnaire survey was conducted to the residents of 16-80 years old from the three counties. Results The average overall score of health of participants was 52.3±12.8points, and the scores were significantly different among residents with different age, occupation, education and income level. The average score was 19.3±6.5 points, 22.7±6.4 points and 10.3±3.1 points for health knowledge, health behavior, and health skills,respectively. At the aspect of health knowledge, the average score was 1.9±1.3 points, 11.4±3.7 points, 5.5±2.7 points, 16.6±4.4 points and 10.5±3.8 points for scientific health concept, infectious diseases prevention, chronic diseases prevention, safety and first aid, and basic medical knowledge, respectively. Conclusion Gender, age, education, income, and occupation may be important influencing factors of health literacy level of rural residents in these areas. The health education should be strengthened to these rural residents. The relative low education level of chronic disease prevention was a crucial factor negatively affecting chronic disease prevention and control.