Health Literacy in Adolescents Between 15-17 Years

Abstract

In this study, it is aimed to reveal the knowledge about the health literacy level of the adolescents between the ages of 15 and 17, what they are experiencing about health and the information that these experiences provide them, to develop hypotheses about which variable can play role on this informations and to form basis for developing the tools related to health literacy in the future. Method: This study was carried out with the phenomenological pattern method which is one of the methods of 'Qualitative Research'. In this context, twenty-four adolescents between the ages of 15 and 17 who had Health Information lecture before and who had education in schools which are located in regions having different success and socio-economic levels were interviewed. It was seen that the adolescents first consult with their mother about a health issue. Results: Adolescents stated that they received food and non-prescription medication at home after they consult with their mothers. It is seen that adolescents go directly to the health center without any appointment if they encounter health problems. Based upon the experiences of the adolescents with the healthcare personnel, it was seen that their communication changes with the variables such as personnel, disease and being alone or not. Conclusions: Hypotheses can be developed as variables that show the extent of health literacy of the adolescent with or without chronic illness, mother's working / not working, and not seeing / seeing health personnel as reference center.