OUTSMARTING TOMORROW: HOW TIME PREFERENCES AND HEALTH LITERACY DRIVE PREVENTIVE AND HEALTHY LIVING IN MALAYSIA
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Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
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As Malaysia faces a growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), there is increasing urgency to understand the behavioral mechanisms that shape preventive health engagement. This study investigates how time preferences and health literacy influence preventive health and lifestyle behaviors among Malaysian adults. A cross-sectional, survey-based design was employed, collecting data from 384 respondents using validated instruments. The questionnaire assessed respondents’ future orientation, functional and critical health literacy, and their engagement in preventive practices such as routine health screenings, physical activity, and healthy eating. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to examine both direct and mediating effects. Results indicate significant variation in time preferences and health literacy across socio-demographic groups. Both constructs emerged as significant predictors of preventive behaviors, and health literacy was shown to mediate the relationship between time preferences and health outcomes. These findings emphasize the dual role of cognitive and informational factors in shaping health-related decisions and highlight the need for public health strategies that integrate behavioral economics with health education to enhance preventive care in Malaysia.