Inadequate health literacy and health-promoting behavior in older adults

a middle-range theory*

Authors

Keywords:

Health Literacy, Nursing Theory, Nursing Diagnosis, Health Promotion, Health of the Elderly

Abstract

Objective: To develop an explanatory Middle-Range Theory for the nursing diagnosis of inadequate health literacy.

Methods: A theoretical development study conducted between 2024 and 2025 in six stages: definition of the construct, identification of the concepts, elaboration of an illustrative diagram, formulation of theoretical propositions, establishment of causal relationships, and presentation of practical evidence for implementation.

Results: Predisposing, precipitating, disabling, and reinforcing factors of health literacy were identified, interconnected with interventions and outcomes specific to older adults. Based on the pictorial scheme, ten explanatory propositions were formulated to support the theoretical proposition.

Conclusion: Adopting the proposed interventions can promote health literacy and the autonomy of older adults, fostering healthy and sustainable aging.

Author Biographies

Rachel da Silva Serejo Cardoso, Unilasalle University Center, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.

Nurse. PhD in Health Care Sciences, Faculty Member at Unilasalle University Center, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.

Rosimere Ferreira Santana, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.

Nurse. PhD in Nursing. Faculty member at Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.

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Published

2026-08-26

How to Cite

Cardoso, R. da S. S., & Santana, R. F. (2026). Inadequate health literacy and health-promoting behavior in older adults: a middle-range theory*. Cogitare Enfermagem, 31. Retrieved from https://revistas.ufpr.br/cogitare/article/view/101972

Issue

Vol. 31 (2026)

Section

Original Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Rachel da Silva Serejo Cardoso, Rosimere Ferreira Santana

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