The association between undergraduate nursing students' health literacy and bullying and cyberbullying victimization

Abstract

BackgroundBullying and cyberbullying victimization are common among undergraduate nursing students. However, evidence regarding health literacy association with bullying and cyberbullying victimization is lacking. PurposeTo investigate the association between health literacy and bullying and cyberbullying victimization in undergraduate nursing students. MethodsA cross-sectional design was used with a sample of undergraduate nursing students (N = 397). The students completed three data collection scales (Forms of Peer Victimization Scale, Florence Cyberbullying–Cybervictimization Scales, and Health Literacy Questionnaire) and a demographics questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using cluster analysis and independent samples t-test. ResultsThe mean age of students was 20.93 (SD = 2.16). Cluster analysis revealed that there were two clusters; undergraduate nursing students in cluster 1 had lower scores on health literacy and higher scores on bullying and cyberbullying victimization. The t-test results showed that undergraduate nursing students with a history of bullying victimization had lower scores on health literacy scales than those who reported no exposure to bullying victimization (p < .05). The largest mean difference was found in the “social support for health” scale. ConclusionThe findings of this study provide evidence that health literacy is a key determinant of mitigating bullying and cyberbullying victimization in undergraduate nursing students.