Correlation of Health Literacy with Health-Related Physical Fitness in Overweight Female High School Students

Health literacy increases peoplechr('39')s ability to prevent disease and improve the quality of self-care. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between health literacy and health-related physical fitness level in overweight female secondary high school students. 

The present study is descriptive-correlation. The statistical population included all female secondary high school students studying in Islamshahr city in the academic year of 2009-2010, amounting to 5347 people. The research samples were selected by cluster random sampling method based on Cochranchr('39')s formula of 358 overweight students with body mass index between  25  and  30. Data were collected using demographic questionnaire, "Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire" and "Health Literacy Measure for Adolescents". The validity and reliability of the instruments in the present study have not been measured and are limited to other studies. Health-related physical fitness includes: 540 m run (cardiorespiratory endurance), sit-up (abdominal muscle strength and endurance), flexibility (sit- and- reach), and Pull-up (shoulder girdle muscle strength and endurance) was evaluated. Data analysis was performed in SPSS. 21.

The correlation between health-related physical fitness (0.456) and health literacy (0.595) was significant and positive (P <0.001). Health-related physical fitness have the power to predict health literacy (P <0.001). 

Health-related physical fitness is positively correlated with studentschr('39') health literacy. It is suggested that special attention be paid to the complete and comprehensive program of sports and physical education in the school curriculum.