Abstract:

Objective: Women parents’ health literacy levels make it easier to understand the requirements and preventative measures during a pandemic. The aim of this study is to reveal the relationship and factors affecting women's fear of COVID-19 and health literacy. Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, Personal Information Form, COVID-19 Phobia Scale (C19P-S), and Turkish Health Literacy Scale 32 (THLS 32) were used to gather data. The sample consisted of 161 women who applied to a family health center. Analysis of the data was done with frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and minimum-maximum values. The suitability of variables to normal distribution was tested with Shapiro-wilks and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests. For variables not conforming to normal distribution, nonparametric statistical tests were used using Q1: First quarter Q3: Third quarter and Median values. Mann-Whitney u and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used. Results: Participants’ average age was 35.79 ± 7.76. The health literacy total score is 64.93 ± 20.18 and COVID-19 Phobia Scale total score is 52.27 ± 13.13. No significant correlation was found between health literacy and COVID-19 phobia total scores. Conclusion: The COVID-19 phobia and health literacy levels were found to be moderate. A significant correlation was found between COVID-19 Phobia Scale total score and the fear caused by the news, frequent change in treatment and the negative effects of staying at home. Also, a significant correlation was found between THLS total score and participants’ education level and following health related news.

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