EXAMINATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE HEALTH LITERACY LEVEL AND HEALTH ANXIETY OF INDIVIDUALS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Aim: This study aims to determine individuals' health literacy and anxiety levels and their relationship. Methods: In the study, the TSOY-32 scale developed by Okyay and Abacıgil (2016) on behalf of the Ministry of Health, and the Health Anxiety Inventory (Short Version), which was translated into Turkish by Aydemir et al. (2013) for validity and reliability study, were used. The study population consists of individuals over 18 living in Isparta province. The sample size determined within the scope of the study is 384 people, and 401 participants were reached. SPSS 22 was used to analyze the collected data. Relationships between variables were examined via t-test, ANOVA analysis, correlation and regression analysis. Results: A significant difference was observed from comparing the scores of hypersensitivity to physical symptoms and anxiety subscale of the health anxiety scale with the chronic disease/disability status and age groups of the participants. No significant correlation was found between health literacy index scores and health anxiety scores. After the regression analysis to question whether the level of health literacy is a significant determinant of individuals' health anxiety level, no significant difference was observed. Conclusion: The health literacy index score of the participants was found to be 32.13. In literature, this result is considered a problematic/limited level of health literacy. As a solution, it may be possible to increase the general literacy level in society first and then take measures to increase health literacy by the health authorities. The health anxiety level of individuals was found to be mild. These findings show that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, health literacy does not have any effect that increases or decreases health anxiety level.