Abstract

INTRODUCTION: In this study, it was aimed to determine the health literacy status and the factors affecting the students of medical university and vocational school of health services. METHODS: This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted in the academic year 2017-2018 at a university medical school and vocational school of health services. The sample of the study consisted of 238 students who accepted the study. The research data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, health literacy scale and self-efficacy scale. RESULTS: The mean age of the students was 19,840 +- 2,282. The rate of students studying in medical school is 45.8% and 26.9% is female. The mean e-health literacy of the students was 26,962 +- 7,218, and the average overall health literacy score was 35,87 +- 8,05. According to HL category, 10.6% of the students were inadequate, 30.4% were limited / problematic, 34.8% had adequate health literacy and 24.2% had excellent health literacy. The mean self-efficacy score of the students was 64.06 +- 8.31 (Min = 17; Max = 81). A positive correlation was found between total health literacy scores and e-health literacy scores (p <0.05). There was a significant relationship between HL and physical activity (p<0.05). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: As a result, it was seen that the HL level of the students of medical faculty and vocational school of health services was insufficient. HL levels should be increased because these students have training and consultancy roles in providing health care as the healthcare professional of the future.