The Relation between Levels of Media Literacy and Attitudes and Beliefs Concerning Obesity in University Students

Abstract

ABSTRACT The prevalence of obesity in young people around the world. The written and visual media have an important role to play in increasing student awareness in the prevention of obesity. This study was planned with the aim of determining the effect on attitudes and beliefs concerning obesity of the levels of media literacy of university students. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 300 obese students. The Media Literacy Scale, and the Obesity Health Belief Model Scale were used in the collection of data for the study. The Student t test and the one-way ANOVA test were used in the analysis of the data. A weak, positive statistically significant correlation was found between media literacy and the subscales of perceived severity, perceived barriers, and perceived benefit (p < .05). A weak positive correlation was found between the subscales of possessing knowledge, the ability to analyze and form a response, and the ability to judge and see hidden messages, and the sub-scales of perceived severity, perceived barriers, and perceived benefit (p < .05). It was found in this study that the media literacy of obese students was at a medium level, and that media literacy affected their attitudes and beliefs regarding obesity. It is recommended that the visual media should broadcast short audiovisual educational films at regular intervals on the prevention of obesity.