Health literacy and health related lifestyle among nursing students

Abstract

Abstract Introduction. Nursing students are an important population for the study of health literacy and health-related behaviours. On one hand, they are a population of young adults, that is starting to independently take care of their own health and on the other hand, they are becoming professionals who will provide support and pass knowledge to people making changes in their lifestyle in order to preserve their health or to manage a disease. The focus of this research is therefore oriented towards the study of health literacy and behavior related to health in the population of nursing students. Material and methods. We have studied health literacy and behaviour related to health on a sample of 337 students from the health care study programmes in Slovenia. We utilised two instruments to measure students’ health literacy (Health Literacy Screening Questions and Quick assessment of literacy and primary care – Newest vital sign) and a scale to measure health-related behaviors. Results. Factor analysis identified three dimensions of health literacy: the understanding of health or disease, the understanding of the instructions received in the health system and the orientation within the health system. Variables related to health literacy and health-related behaviors are closely connected. Discussion and conclusion. The education of nursing students should put emphasis on the topics of health literacy and their own health care. It should also support and encourage students to maintain healthy living habits, as they themselves should set an example of what they teach the patients.