Volume 13, Issue 2 (2025)
Health Educ Health Promot 2025, 13(2): 1001-1018 |
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Baji F, Rahimizadeh M, Sabaghinejad Z. Explaining the relationship between health literacy and health information avoidance in university students. Health Educ Health Promot 2025; 13 (2) :1001-1018
URL: http://hehp.modares.ac.ir/article-5-81086-en.html
URL: http://hehp.modares.ac.ir/article-5-81086-en.html
1- , saba.darya@gmail.com
Abstract: (48 Views)
Aim: Health literacy is a crucial components in enabling individuals to make informed decisions, recognize health risks, and prevent diseases both at the personal and community levels. Despite its importance, some individuals consciously avoid seeking health-related information. This study aims to explore the relationship between health literacy and health information avoidance among university students.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 involving 369 students from Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences. Participants were selected utilizing a random stratified proportional sampling technique. Data collection was conducted through two HL and HIA questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, and correlation analysis.
Findings: The analysis indicates that nearly fifty percent of the students demonstrate a satisfactory level of HL, with 7.25% exhibiting a high degree, while less than 25% reveal a somewhat insufficient or inadequate level of health literacy. Despite students displaying a robust comprehension of health information, their proficiency in applying this knowledge for decision-making purposes is notably deficient. Regarding HIA, a substantial majority of participants (93.2%) exhibit a moderate degree of avoidance. A significant inverse correlation was established between HL and HIA. Furthermore, a notable association was identified between gender and academic year in relation to HL.
Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of enhancing health literacy to mitigate health information avoidance, particularly among university students. Educational interventions tailored to improve health literacy may serve as a viable strategy to reduce information avoidance and promote proactive health-seeking behavior.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 involving 369 students from Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences. Participants were selected utilizing a random stratified proportional sampling technique. Data collection was conducted through two HL and HIA questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, and correlation analysis.
Findings: The analysis indicates that nearly fifty percent of the students demonstrate a satisfactory level of HL, with 7.25% exhibiting a high degree, while less than 25% reveal a somewhat insufficient or inadequate level of health literacy. Despite students displaying a robust comprehension of health information, their proficiency in applying this knowledge for decision-making purposes is notably deficient. Regarding HIA, a substantial majority of participants (93.2%) exhibit a moderate degree of avoidance. A significant inverse correlation was established between HL and HIA. Furthermore, a notable association was identified between gender and academic year in relation to HL.
Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of enhancing health literacy to mitigate health information avoidance, particularly among university students. Educational interventions tailored to improve health literacy may serve as a viable strategy to reduce information avoidance and promote proactive health-seeking behavior.
Article Type: Original Research |
Subject:
Health Literacy
Received: 2025/05/26 | Accepted: 2025/07/3
Received: 2025/05/26 | Accepted: 2025/07/3
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