This study aimed to provide a sociological explanation of the social components affecting health literacy among citizens of Bushehr. Employing a sequential exploratory mixed-methods design, the research was conducted in qualitative and quantitative phases. In the qualitative phase, using the classical grounded theory approach and 17 in-depth interviews, data were analyzed. This analysis resulted in the extraction of 235 codes, 24 concepts, and 8 categories, with "Expectation Tolerance" identified as the core category. This category conceptualizes waiting as an active risk-reduction strategy within contexts of uncertainty and structural inequality.

In the quantitative phase, a cross-sectional survey with multi-stage cluster sampling of 384 individuals was conducted. Data were collected using researcher-made and standard questionnaires and analyzed via path analysis. The mean health literacy score was 68.45 out of 100. Findings revealed that factors such as the multi-vocal health field, judgment suspension, and the trust-power trade-off had a direct positive effect on "Expectation Tolerance", whereas the symbolic capital of the family had a strong negative effect on it. More importantly, "Expectation Tolerance" itself was the strongest negative predictor of health literacy and served as a full mediator in the relationship between other variables and health literacy. Conversely, the symbolic capital of the family had the greatest total positive effect on health literacy.

In summary, health literacy in Bushehr is a deeply social and context-dependent phenomenon. Influenced by information chaos and a crisis of trust, it leads to the formation of the "Expectation Tolerance" strategy, which prioritizes reactivity (treatment-oriented behavior) over prevention. In this process, the symbolic capital of the family plays a key protective role. Accordingly, establishing credible digital platforms, reducing access costs, integrating the family into the health network, teaching critical health literacy, and localizing health communications are proposed as strategies to transition from Expectation Tolerance to preventive agency.