Health Literacy level of Adults in Neyshabur City: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Aims: Considering that the health literacy is one of the pillars of the health evolution system, measuring the health literacy is essential to improving the health of individuals in the community. The aim of this study was to investigate the health literacy level of adults in Neyshabur city, Iran. Instruments & Methods: This cross-sectional research is a descriptive-analytical study. This research was carried out on 385 people aged 18-65, who referred to the health centers in Neyshabour city in 2016-2017. The subjects were selected using the convenience sampling method. Data were collected by demographic characteristics questionnaire and the questionnaire of health literacy assessment of urban population aged 18-65 (HELIA). Data were analyzed using SPSS 16 software through descriptive statistics and Chi-square test. Results: The mean score of health literacy in the subjects was 49.99±23.16. The health literacy level in 33.0%, 33.5%, 27.0% and 6.5% of the subjects were inadequate, not adequate, adequate and high, respectively. There was a significant relationship between the health literacy level with age, gender, education, and job status (p<0.05). Conclusion: The health literacy level was inadequate in the adults of Neyshabur city and the health literacy level in most of the subjects was inadequate and not adequate.

Keywords

• health literacy
• adults
• iran