Explaining the status of COVID-19 health literacy among the students of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic and its profound impact on living conditions, our study was conducted with a sense of urgency and relevance. We aimed to shed light on the health literacy of students at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, a crucial aspect in the fight against the pandemic.

This descriptive study was carried out using a survey method. The sample consisted of 366 students of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences at all academic levels. Three hundred twenty questionnaires could be analyzed. The data collection tool, the COVID-19 Health Literacy Questionnaire, consisted of 22 questions.

Students were at a high level regarding the decisions related to the health literacy of COVID-19, such as preventing transmission to others and protecting themselves.  Students' health literacy in understanding the information about COVID-19 was higher than the average (mean= 3.06), but in finding information related to COVID-19, their literacy was lower than the average (mean= 2.95). The results of Leven's test showed that there was a significant difference in the mean health literacy score of male and female students regarding health information (P-value= 0.028). The results of the one-way ANOVA test showed that there was a significant difference between all the components of the health literacy of COVID-19 in students at different educational levels. Moreover, there was a significant correlation between the level of education and all the components of COVID-19 health literacy.

Our research underscores the role of gender and educational level in shaping the COVID-19 health literacy. These findings have practical implications for health educators and policymakers, highlighting the need for targeted health literacy interventions.