Abstract
PurposeFirst, to describe adolescents’ health information sources and knowledge, health literacy (HL), health protective measures, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) during the initial phase of the Covid-19 pandemic in Norway. Second, to investigate the association between HL and the knowledge and behavior relevant for preventing spread of the virus. Third, to explore variables associated with HRQoL in a pandemic environment.MethodsThis cross-sectional study includes survey data from 2,205 Norwegian adolescents 16–19 years of age. The participants reported on their health information sources, HL, handwashing knowledge and behavior, number of social interactions, and HRQoL. Associations between study variables and specified outcomes were explored using multiple linear and logistic regression analyses.ResultsTelevision (TV) and family were indicated to be the main sources for pandemic-related health information. Handwashing, physical distancing, and limiting the number of social contacts were the most frequently reported measures. HL and handwashing knowledge and HL and handwashing behavior were significantly associated. For each unit increase on the HL scale, the participants were 5% more likely to socialize less with friends in comparison to normal. The mean HRQoL was very poor compared to European norms. Being quarantined or isolated and having confirmed or suspected Covid-19 were significantly negatively associated with HRQoL, but seeing less friends than normal was not associated. HL was significantly positively associated with HRQoL, albeit of minor clinical importance.ConclusionAdolescents follow the health authorities’ guidelines and appear highly literate. However, high fidelity requires great sacrifice because the required measures seem to collide with certain aspects that are important for the adolescents’ HRQoL.
Highlights
During 2020, the coronavirus has spread around the world and the World Health Organization (WHO) declared this situation as a pandemic [1]
For each unit increase on the health literacy (HL) scale, the participants were 5% more likely to socialize less with friends in comparison to normal
Being quarantined or isolated and having confirmed or suspected Covid-19 were significantly negatively associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL), but seeing less friends than normal was not associated
Summary
During 2020, the coronavirus has spread around the world and the World Health Organization (WHO) declared this situation as a pandemic [1]. Effective responses to the challenge posed by a virus that is as contagious as corona entail massive public involvement through basic protective measures, such as practicing hand hygiene, maintaining social distancing, avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth, following respiratory hygiene and seeking medical care if you have symptoms [2]. Health communication that is meant to educate people about coronavirus and how to avoid the disease or its spread has become widely available. Adolescents constitute one important target group because they are increasingly independent and responsible for their own health behaviors. Given the critical role of person-to-person transmission in the spread of coronavirus and the fact that adolescents socialize in close peer groups, behavioral compliance may be of particular importance for this group
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
