An examination of the relationship between health literacy and health perception: A research in public university

This study was conducted to determine the health literacy and the health perception levels of university personnel working at Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, to examine the differences in participants' the levels of health literacy and the levels of health perception according to their socio-demographic characteristics, and to reveal the relationship between health literacy and health perception. In the study, the data were obtained through 372 participants. In the research, "Health Literacy Scale" adapted to Turkish by Bayık Temel and Aras (2017) developed by Sørensen et al. (2013), and "Health Perception Scale" adapted to Turkish by Kadıoğlu and Yıldız (2012) developed by Diamond et al. (2007) have been used. Confirmatory factor analysis has been performed for the scales used in the research. The hypotheses created within the scope of the research have been analyzed using quantitative methods. It has been determined that the general health literacy and the general health perception levels of the participants differentiated significantly according to the type of source in which they reached health-related information, the reason for admission to the physician the most, perceived health status, and perceived quality of life. Also, the health literacy and the health perception dimensions levels of the participants differentiated significantly according to the title, educational level, and income status of participants. As a result of the correlation analysis, a statistically significant, moderate and positive correlation has been found between the health literacy and the health perception level. According to the results of the regression analysis were examined, conducted to reveal the effect of the health perception on the health literacy, it has been found that the health perception has a positive effect on the health literacy. According to the results of the regression analysis were examined, conducted to reveal the effect of the health literacy on the health perception, it has been found that the health literacy has a positive effect on the health perception. In line with the results of the research, suggestions were made to the relevant and authorities regarding the activities and actions that can be taken to improve the health literacy and health perception levels of the individuals.