Determination of the Relationship between Health Literacy and Attitudes towards COVID-19 Vaccine in Adult Individuals

Abstract

Although it is known that the level of health literacy is effective in determining the direction of individuals' attitudes towards their own health, its effect on the attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccine is not yet known exactly. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between health literacy and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccine in adult individuals. This study is a cross-sectional design. The study was conducted with literate individuals aged 18 or over (N=210), in Turkey. The data were collected online using personal information form, Attitudes Towards COVID-19 Vaccine (ATV-COVID-19) Scale, and Health Literacy Scale (HLS). HLS score of the women and unemployed ones were high (p<0.05). ATV-COVID-19 scores of those with chronic diseases in their families were higher. (p<0.05). Moreover, scores of some subscales of HLS and ATV-COVID-19 were also correlated (p<0.05). It was determined that the adult individuals' health literacy and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccine were positively correlated. It will be possible to reach higher community vaccination levels by planning activities that will increase health literacy throughout the society.

Health literacy and COVID-19 vaccine acceptance worldwide: A systematic review

“…On the contrary, functional skills may have been challenged by complex terminologies and technical information provided by the media, which may explain the lower functional score, also among highly educated individuals. 28,34,35,47,50,53,55,57,59,[61][62][63] In this review, the highest scores for both functional and interactive-critical scales were found in patients who completed a university degree, supporting that a higher level of education is positively associated with a higher level of VL. 53,59,61 This is comparable with studies showing that education is the most determinant factor of HL and those who have a higher level of education have a higher level of COVID-19 VL.…”

“…The majority of studies found that HL is a significant factor in COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. 28 , 47 , 50 , 52 , 53 , 55 – 57 , 59 The research also showed that HL is a predictor of vaccine hesitancy, and low HL skills might result in vaccine hesitancy when people find inadequate and inaccurate information about the COVID-19 vaccines on the internet. 29 , 47 The study in Turkey reported that the association between vaccine hesitancy and health system mistrust was mediated by HL.…”

“…It was determined that the adult individuals’ HL and attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccine were positively correlated. 57 The level of VL grew with the level of education ( p = 0.031) and reduced with age ( p < 0.001). Participants who were employed, had chronic diseases, took medicine, or consumed alcohol daily had a lower level of VL.…”

“…29,47 The study in Turkey reported that the association between vaccine hesitancy and health system mistrust was mediated by HL. 57 In this review, research findings reported that average VL scores for both the functional and interactive-critical scales were relatively high, and there was a medium level of VL. The review showed the highest interactive-critical scores in females, patients living in an urban area, widow patients, and patients with high socioeconomic status.…”

“… 29 , 47 The study in Turkey reported that the association between vaccine hesitancy and health system mistrust was mediated by HL. 57 …”