Relationship of Health Literacy With Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding the Preventive Behaviors Against COVID-19 in Women in Zahedan, Southeast Iran

Abstract

Background & Aims With the emergence of COVID-19, health literacy became more important for its prevention. Health literacy is important for attaining positive health outcomes in women. This study aims to investigate the relationship between health literacy and knowledge, attitude and practice regarding preventive behaviors against COVID-19 in women referring to comprehensive health service centers in Zahedan, Iran. Materials & Methods This descriptive-correlational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted on 144 women aged 18-60 years referred to comprehensive health centers in Zahedan, Iran, from September to December 2022. The sampling was done using a multi-stage stratified sampling method based on the entry criteria. To collect data, a sociodemographic form, the knowledge, attitude, practice questionnaire for preventive behaviors against COVID-19, and Savci et al.’s health literacy scale for protection against COVID-19 were used. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation test, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA and regression analysis in SPSS software, version 23. Results The mean age of women was 31.74±10.02 years. Most of them had middle school education (64.4%) and were married (90.3%), with a monthly income level of 6-10 million Iranian Tomans (29.9%). Most of them were willing to receive COVID-19 vaccine (81.9%). Only 28.7% had a history of hospitalization due to COVID-19 infection. Their mean scores of knowledge, attitude, and practice were 14.9±2.93, 42.9±6.69, and 32±6.1, respectively. Their mean health literacy score was 39.5±11.08. Educational level, monthly income level, and history of receiving COVID-19 vaccine explained 48% of the variance in health literacy in the first-order regression model, and 61% of the variance in the second-order regression model. Conclusion The increase in health literacy, can improve knowledge, attitude and practice of women regarding preventive behaviors against COVID-19. In addition, their health literacy for preventive behaviors against COVID-19 is related to their age and education level. It is recommended to use educational programs to increase health literacy for emerging diseases in women from southern Iran. The results of this study can help policy makers in Iran developing health promotion interventions.