Investigation of the relationship between healthy lifestyle behaviours and health literacy in university students

Abstract

The investigation of healthy lifestyle behaviours and health literacy, a topic of increasing interest in public health, is of particular importance in the context of young people, a crucial phase of human life. These behaviours have the capacity to influence the course of subsequent periods of life. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between healthy lifestyle behaviors and health literacy among university students. The design of the study was descriptive and cross- sectional. The population of the study consisted of 1210 students enrolled in 2 different faculties randomly selected in a university in eastern Türkiye. The research was completed with 495 participants. The study utilized the 'personal information form,' 'healthy lifestyle behaviors scale' (HLBS), and 'health literacy scale' (HLS) to collect its data. The participant students' mean scores for the ‘HLBS’, and ‘HLS’ were 133.28±22.86 and 32.05±8.38, respectively. The study also identified a positive and moderate relationship between the HLBS and HLS mean scores (r=0.453, p<0.001). As a result, the study findings revealed that a high level of health literacy may significantly improve university students' quality of life by supporting healthy lifestyle behaviors. Public health professionals, sports science professionals and most importantly policy makers should develop policies and organise training programs to improve healthy lifestyle behaviours by increasing the health literacy levels of individuals.