Health literacy level and influencing factors in university students

Health literacy (HL) competencies vary across different health domains, and so the youth HL level plays an important role in access to healthcare. The aim of this study was to determine HL levels, the factors that affect it and health-promoting lifestyle behaviours of university students. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 905 students in nursing, law and Islamic sciences departments. An introductory information form, European Health Literacy Scale and Health Promoting Lifestyle Behaviors Scale were used to collect research data. The results showed that 45% of the students had a problematic HL level. Each subscale of the HL scale exhibited a significant positive correlation with the subscales of the Health Promoting Lifestyle Behaviors scale. Logistic regression showed that gender and health education were significantly associated with the HL level. We recommend increasing awareness regarding health liability and integrating HL notions into the higher education curriculum.