Abstract:

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has initiated a new process in Turkey and worldwide. University students need information and training about the coronavirus to make effective decisions about their health and the health of others. Objective: This study was conducted to determine the relationship between students' quality of life and level of health literacy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: The correlational study was carried out with 451 students studying at a a foundation university between February and April 2021. Data were collected using the "Descriptive Characteristics Form, COVID-19 Knowledge and Awareness Questionnaire, Turkey Health Literacy Scale (THLS-32) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-Short Form Turkish Version (WHOQOL-BREF-TR)." Results: The study revealed that most students had adequate and excellent health literacy levels. The students' overall score on the WHOQOL-BREF-TR was 85.00±14.60 points, and their quality of life was high. There was a significant correlation between the “THLS-32 and WHOQOL-BREF-TR” (r=0.39 p=0.00). The THLS-32 scores of students, whose income was higher than their expenses, whose mother was a university graduate, and who stated that wearing a mask and the COVID-19 vaccine were effective against COVID-19, were statistically significantly higher compared to the other students (p<0.05). The WHOQOL-BREF-TR scores of students, whose income was higher than their expenses and whose mother was a university graduate, were found to be statistically significantly level higher (p<0.05). Conclusion: A positive and significant correlation was found between the students' health literacy and quality of life. As the health literacy level of students increases, heir quality of life also increases.

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