Challenges enhancing healthy lifestyle behaviors in community settings in Indonesia: the role of social literacy, religious involvement, and technology-equipped systems

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the impact of social literacy, religious involvement, and technology-equipped systems on the promotion of healthy lifestyle behaviors in community settings in Indonesia. The study utilized a mixed-method research approach and was carried out in three villages within an Indonesian province. Quantitative data was gathered from 235 respondents through face-to-face structured interviews using a simple random sampling procedure, while qualitative data was collected from 28 respondents through a semi-structured interview schedule using a purposive sampling procedure. Additionally, observations were conducted in the three selected communities. The study found that socio-cultural factors, including religious systems, social systems, and technology, significantly influenced healthy lifestyle behaviors in Indonesian communities. Strong associations were observed between these factors and various aspects of healthy living, such as physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption, not smoking or drinking alcohol, routine health checkups, environmental hygiene, and latrine use. These findings underscored the significance of social support, religious involvement, and technology-equipped systems in promoting and improving healthy behaviors within community settings. Findings would be important guidelines for policymakers and health practitioners for designing and implementing effective health promotion strategies to enhance healthy lifestyle behaviors in community settings.