Individuals' COVID-19 Awareness and Health Literacy Levels in Eastern Turkey: A Descriptive Correlational Design

Objective Individuals' COVID-19 protection and awareness could be related to their health literacy levels. This study aims to determine individuals' COVID-19 awareness and health literacy levels in eastern Turkey and the relationship between them. Methods This study utilized a descriptive and correlational design. The target population was individuals aged 18-65 years who sought treatment in the emergency department of a state hospital in Turkey. The sample consisted of 762 individuals who visited the health institution where data were collected between July 15, 2021-December 15, 2021 and agreed to participate in the study. Data were collected through the Personal Information Form, the COVID-19 Awareness Scale, and the Health Literacy Scale. Ethics committee approval and institutional permissions were obtained to conduct the study. Data analysis used arithmetic means, standard deviations, skewness and kurtosis coefficients, t test, ANOVA, Welch ANOVA, Bonferroni tests, and correlation analysis. Results The participants' COVID-19 Awareness Scale total mean score was 50.71 ± 14.93, and the Health Literacy Scale total mean score was 45.03 ± 10.57. A moderate positive correlation was detected between the participants' health literacy levels and the COVID-19 awareness scale sub-scales and total scores (r = 0.350). Conclusions The participants' health literacy level increased with their COVID-19 awareness level. It is recommended that health literacy levels be increased to help individuals increase their awareness of COVID-19 and to protect and improve their health.