Lisans Öğrencilerinin COVID 19’a Karşı Alınan Kişisel Koruyucu Önlemlere İlişkin Algıları ve Sağlık Okuryazarlığı: Tanımlayıcı ve Kesitsel Bir Çalışma

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: This study explored the prevailing perceptions of personal protective measures against COVID-19 and the degree of health literacy among undergraduate students. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study included a total of 360 undergraduate students majoring in fields other than healthcare. Research data were collected through an online questionnaire consisting of Student Information Form, Personal Protective Measures Form and Health Literacy Scale. The data were analyzed with Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests.Results: The mean scores for wearing masks, hand hygiene, fear of being diagnosed with COVID-19, and health literacy scale among female students were significantly higher than those of males. We found that 67.5% of our participants thought vaccination was important in protection from the disease and 57.2% were afraid of being diagnosed with COVID-19. Female students had higher levels of health literacy and better perceptions of the importance of personal protective measures. Conclusion: Improving COVID-19-related health literacy among university students could offer significant benefits in controlling the pandemic.