Health literacy of university students: A mixed method study

The aim of this study was to determine the health literacy levels of university students and to examine their views and perceptions on this concept.

The research was conducted as a mixed methods research between December 2022 and May 2024. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Turkey Health Literacy Scale-32 and Semi-Structured Interview Form. Quantitative data collection phase of the study was conducted with 315 students and qualitative data collection phase was conducted with 9 students with inadequate and excellent health literacy levels.

The average age of the participating university students was 20.37 ± 2.996. Their health literacy levels were: inadequate 7.3 %, problematic/limited 29.8 %, adequate 39.7 %, and excellent 23.2 %. Students with excellent health literacy are hindered by 'information pollution' but benefit from 'desire to research,' 'easy access to resources,' 'role models,' and 'curiosity.' Those with inadequate health literacy are adversely affected by 'information pollution,' 'inadequate awareness,' 'rising costs,' and 'high criticism skills,' while 'desire to research,' 'role models,' and 'consciousness' positively impact their literacy. Students believe improving health literacy involves 'scientific activities,' 'preventing information pollution,' 'creating awareness,' 'being researchers,' and 'fostering curiosity'.

There are many factors that positively and negatively affect the level of health literacy in university students. It is recommended to make institutional and policy-level arrangements to increase the level of knowledge, awareness and motivation regarding health literacy.

The health literacy levels of university students, who will constitute the future generations of the country, need to be improved. To improve health literacy, nurses can recommend that university students increase their awareness.