Health literacy level and its associated factors among Erzincan Binali Yildirim University students

Health literacy can be defined as knowledge that consists of, skills and behaviors necessary to improve individual and community health. This concept is highlighted concerning its appealing effect to diverse fields and communities. This study was carried out to investigate the health literacy levels and other effective factors on Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University Students. This research was designed as a cross-sectional, descriptive study and it was conducted on a total of 835 people consisting of 358 male and 477 female participants. Turkish Health Literacy Scale 32 (TSOY-32) was used to determine health literacy. Chi-square, Fisher's exact test and logistic regression analysis were used to examine the survey data. Overall mean health literacy score of the students was 33.4 (±8.1). Respectively, 14.0 %, 34.1%, 37.0%, and 14.9% of the participants fell into inadequate, limited, adequate, and excellent health literacy categories. Health literacy levels were significantly associated with an individual's internet accessibility, participation in health-related activities, volunteering in health-related organizations, and receiving education in health. In contrast, gender, parental education and income level, family housing, number of people in the household, having a healthcare professional as a relative, concomitant chronic disease, smoking and alcohol consumption, opinion on organ donation, reading habit, and participation in cultural activities were found as insignificant. In conclusion, although the health literacy level among university students was higher than the general population, did not reach the desired level. Studies on health literacy can contribute to awareness and the development of the medical field along with many others. Keywords: Health literacy, TSOY-32, college students