Exploring Health Literacy and Associated Factors Among Turkish Academics

Abstract

Background: Health literacy has become an important health policy and health promotion agenda item in recent years. In addition, it is thought that academicians have an important role in the development of health literacy in society. With this research, it was aimed to examine the level of health literacy and related factors in academicians. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in all faculties of a university in Turkey. Academicians were selected by stratified and simple random sampling (293). In the collection of data, it was prepared by the researchers by examining the literature; Personal Information Form and Health Literacy Scale were used. Results: Mean score on the Health Literacy Scale was 108.49 ± 10.66. Higher scores were obtained by females, those who did not smoke or drink alcohol, those who always ate healthily, those who had had no difficulties in accessing health services, and those who perceived their quality of life and general health as very good, and the difference was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: As a result of the study, it was determined that the health literacy level of the academicians was between “I have a little difficulty” and “I have no difficulty”. Academicians have an important position as role models in the development of society. For this reason, it is important to initiate projects to increase the health literacy levels of academicians. © 2024, Dokuz Eylul University. All rights reserved.