Determination of Health Literacy Levels: The Case of Sivas Cumhuriyet University

Aim: The concept of health literacy concerns the collection, interpretation, evaluation and ultimately the right decision of the person s concerned about his or her health. Persons can make health care decisions at the most costeffective and quality level by assessing current health status and current health policies. This study, aiming to determine the level of health literacy of university students, has a considerable precaution in terms of individual and community health. Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study aims to determine the health literacy level of the intended university students. The universe of the research was formed from 16.02.2018 - 30.03.2018 by all the students studying at Sivas Cumhuriyet University (N: 55452). 870 university students were sampled by stratified sample selection method in the study. The data were collected from February to March 2018. The study was conducted with 1003 students who were studying at universities on this date and who agreed to participate in the research. Results: 62.8% of university students have sufficient and excellent health literacy level. Female participants perceptions of health literacy were higher than men. It was found that age, family income, mother education status, father education status, marital status were effective in health literacy levels. Conclusion: It can be said that university students have sufficient knowledge about health related issues. As a result, the organization of training seminars may be proposed to further improve the health literacy level of university students.