The relationship between health literacy and nutrition knowledge level and eating disorders in young adults

Background and Aim: Health literacy and nutritional knowledge are among the fundamental determinants of individuals' ability to make informed health-related decisions and maintain healthy lifestyles, and they may contribute to an increased risk of eating disorders. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between health literacy, nutritional knowledge, and eating disorders in young adults aged 18–27. Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of a total of 264 young adult students aged between 18 and 27 from Bursa Technical University. The data were collected online using a questionnaire composed of four sections: Socio-Demographic Information Form (SOYO), Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), Nutrition Knowledge Level Scale for Adults (YETBID), and Health Literacy Scale. Results: A significant, positive, and weak correlation was found between the YETBID score and the SOYO sub-dimensions of accessing information, understanding information, as well as the overall SOYO score (p<0.05). Significant differences were observed between individuals with disordered and normal eating behaviors in terms of YETBID scores according to the total score of the Eating Attitudes Test and the sub-dimension of eating preoccupation (p<0.05). Moreover, significant differences were found between individuals with disordered and normal eating behaviors in terms of accessing information, understanding information, appraising information, and the overall SOYO scores (p<0.05). Conclusion: The research findings revealed that individuals' health literacy and nutrition knowledge levels may influence their eating behaviors. Further advanced research on this subject and studies conducted with larger samples are recommended. Keywords: Health literacy, nutrition knowledge level, eating disorders, young adults, healthy eating