The status of health literacy and its influencing factors among freshmen from Jiangsu Province

Objective To study the status of health literacy and its influencing factors among freshman in Jiangsu province, and to provide scientific basis for school health education. Methods A total of 7 560 freshmen were selected by using multi-stage stratified random cluster sampling from 14 colleges in Jiangsu Province. A self-developed questionnaire was administered to investigate the status of health literacy. Chi-square test and multiple Logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of the health literacy. Results The total rate, basic knowledge, lifestyles and behaviors as well as basic skills of health literacy were 40.4%, 56.9%, 34.2% and 76.1%, respectively. The health literacy rates of freshmen in undergraduate universities and vocational colleges were 44.2% and 32.2%, respectively (χ²=98.302, P<0.001). Female (OR=1.7), only child (OR=1.5), Han nationalities (OR=1.8), liberal arts students (OR=1.5) and science students (OR=1.5) as well as those with father graduated from college (OR=1.3) were identified as higher health literacy rates, while using male, non-only child, minority nationality, art and music majors students and those with father graduated from primary school. Conclusions The health literacy rates of freshmen in Jiangsu were higher than that of national level. However, the phenomenon of imbalanced developing of health literacy among different demographics students was existed, so targeted health promotion activities should be conducted to improve the health literacy level.