COVID-19 and college students: health literacy experiences and training needs

Abstract

Objective To explore health literacy (HL) experiences, needs, and future training directions among college students enrolled in health-related degree programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants Students (n = 169) enrolled in a health-related degree program at a state university in the mid-western U.S. completed an online survey. Methods Forty-five questions were developed assessing: (1) demographics; (2) HL; (3) health behaviors; (4) health/well-being; and (5) academic/financial impacts. A HL score across four domains (access, understand, appraise, apply) was calculated. Participants were categorized as having sufficient or insufficient HL. Associations between HL and categorical variables were tested (Chi-square/Fisher’s exact tests). Comparisons between sufficient and insufficient HL were performed (Wilcoxon rank-sum tests). Results Participants had sufficient (55.6%) and insufficient (44.4%) HL. Age was statistically significant with HL (p < 0.5). The top three future training needs were identified (psychological impact, diagnostic/prevention/treatment, racial/ethnic disparities). Conclusions Emerging health professionals reported sufficient HL, yet information gaps and training needs remain.