Health literacy in higher education students: What are the relationships with the use of social networks?

Abstract

Health literacy (HL) is today an important tool in health promotion and disease prevention. This exploratory and correlational study aims to: characterize Higher Education (HE) students in terms of their HL and digital HS (e-HL) levels; explore their relationships with the use of social networks and health behaviors; and explore possible predictors of HL and e-HL. The study included 125 students from different courses, who responded to self-report instruments (e.g., Health Literacy Survey 16; eHealth Literacy Scale). The results showed HL levels in general above those found in the Portuguese population, but below the HL levels in the age groups in which HE students belong. Of the total number of participants, 42.9% have inadequate or problematic values, which constitutes a strategic opportunity for the promotion of HL in the context of HE. The mother's level of education and the fact that the student suffers from a chronic disease proved to be significant predictors of e-HL. Digital technologies can be used as an adequate means of promoting the health of HE students, and it is essential to identify other predictors of HL and e-HL.