Abstract:

Objective: This study aims to determine the mediating role of health literacy in the quality of life of self-care ability. Materials and Methods: The study is cross-sectional and was conducted with patients who received service from the internal medicine and cardiology outpatient clinics of Sakarya Training and Research Hospital between January and February 2019. Data were obtained with the participation of 300 individuals. Health Literacy Scale, Self-Care Strength Scale and Quality of Life Scale were used as data collection tools. The data were analyzed in SPSS 22.0 and SPSS Macro program, and regression and moderator effect analysis were used. Results: As a result of the research, there is a positive, moderate relationship between health literacy and self-care (r=0.350), health literacy and quality of life (r=0.296), and self-care and quality of life (r=0.498) (p<0.01). In addition, both health literacy (β=0.181) and self-care power (β=0.580) positively affect quality of life. Finally, self-care power plays a mediating role in the effect of health literacy on quality of life (β=0.205) and strengthens the positive effect of health literacy on quality of life (β=0.386). Conclusion: Health literacy has a direct effect on quality of life and an indirect effect with the mediator role of self-care. As a result of these findings, it is suggested that individuals with chronic diseases should be aware of the effects of health literacy and self-care power on their quality of life and consider the factors related to quality of life in their activities.

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