An investigation of the relationship between health literacy and eating behavior and health perception in adult individuals

Aim: This research was conducted as a relational descriptor to determine the health literacy of adult individuals in relation to eating behavior and health perception. Material and Method: The survey was conducted between January 2017 and January 2018 at 10 Family Health Centers affiliated to the Malatya Provincial Center. The population of the research was formed by individual at the of 30-60 in the regions served by 10 Family Health Centers affiliated to the Malatya Provincial Center. According to the power analysis the sample of the study consisted of 382 individuals and was completed with 412 individuals. Participant's Identification Questionnaire, Adult Health Literacy Scale, Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire and Health Perception Questionnaire were used to collect the data. The data was collected with people who came to the Family Health Centers within 5 working days of the week with face to face interview technique. Number, percentage, linear regression technique is used ın the analysis of the data. Results: There was a statistically positive linear effect between health literacy and eating behavior and health literacy and health perception. It has been also found that age and education level have an effect on health literacy. It has been found that the state of being satisfied with weight and the condition of skipping daily meals affected the eating behavior. It has been determined that education level and income level have an effect on health perception. Conclusion: According to these results, health behaviors and health perceptions can be improved by increasing the health literacy of the individuals.