Evaluation of the relationship between vitamin use and health literacy in adult individuals applying to family medicine outpatient clinics

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between vitamin use and health literacy among adult individuals applying to a family medicine outpatient clinic. In the long term, it seeks to contribute to the scientific understanding of vitamin use awareness and the development of health literacy levels based on the associated outcomes. Materials and Methods: This single-center, cross-sectional study was conducted among adult individuals who applied to the Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic of Karadeniz Technical University Faculty of Medicine. Data were collected through face-to-face surveys. The first part of the questionnaire included 14 items prepared by the research team to assess sociodemographic characteristics, health status, and vitamin usage. The second part utilized the Health Literacy Assessment Scale. The sample size was calculated for two independent groups. For the independent samples t-test, assuming an effect size of Cohen's d=0.3 and a Type I error of 0.05, a statistical power of 90% was targeted. Results: The mean age of the participants was 39.45±12.3 years; 56.2% were female, 66% were married, and 60.4% had a university degree. When comparing vitamin users and non-users, no statistically significant differences were found in terms of age (p=0.221), gender (p=0.105), marital status (p=0.090), and education level (p=0.055). Among vitamin users, 75% used vitamin B12, 58.6% used vitamin D, and 28.6% used multivitamins. The most commonly reported reason for vitamin use was to strengthen the immune system (54.2%). No significant difference was found in health literacy scores between those who used vitamins and those who did not. Conclusion: Vitamin use is prevalent among individuals attending family medicine outpatient clinics. It is of utmost importance that such use occurs consciously and under the guidance of healthcare professionals. Individual and community-based interventions aimed at enhancing health literacy are essential, and family physicians play a critical role in promoting evidence-based health behaviors. Keywords: Family Medicine, Vitamin, Supplement, Health Literacy