Jehad A. Rababah|Mohammed M. Al?Hammouri|Barbara L. Drew|Mohammed Aldalaykeh
Health literacy: exploring disparities among college students
Jordan University of Science and Technology|Jordan University of Science and Technology|Kent State University|Jordan University of Science and Technology
abstract background health literacy multidimensional concept considered primary public health concern concept often neglected research evidence regarding health literacy college students limited aim study twofold determine needs limitations health literacy among college students explore relationships among nine dimensions health literacy sociodemographic factors including age gender nationality year study field study smoking status history chronic diseases use oncampus gym intention exercise oncampus methods study conducted using crosssectional approach total 520 college students participated study average age 2103 years sd 229 475 males 525 females data collected using demographics questionnaire health literacy questionnaire hlq addition descriptive statistics multivariate analysis variance manova followup analyses performed explore statistically significant mean differences among levels health literacy sociodemographic factors results levels health literacy nine hlq scales lower levels reported literature multivariate analysis showed significant effect age gender smoking status year study field study level health literacy followup analyses revealed female students students healthrelated faculties smoke higher levels health literacy compared counterparts detailed comparison levels hlq scales made based students demographic characteristics field study prominent effect level college students health literacy mean differences statistically significant p lt 001 effect sizes large ranging 66 135 nine scales hlq conclusion college students health literacy influenced demographic characteristics variations could amplify existing health disparities implications findings health health promotion interprofessional education discussed