Investigating the Relationship Between Health Literacy and Anxiety Related to COVID-19 Among Students of the Faculty of Health, Semnan University of Medical Sciences

Pejman Sheikhha; Shayan Ahmadnezhad; Mohammad Ezati Asar; Elahe Saleh

doi:10.5812/koomesh-150399

Koomesh

Journal of Semnan University of Medical Sciences

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https://doi.org/10.69107/koomesh-150399

Investigating the Relationship Between Health Literacy and Anxiety Related to COVID-19 Among Students of the Faculty of Health, Semnan University of Medical Sciences

Author(s):

Pejman Sheikhha

¹,

Shayan Ahmadnezhad

¹,

Mohammad Ezati Asar

^{2, 3},

Elahe Saleh

^2,*

1Student Research Committee, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran

2Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran

3Department of Public Health, School of Health, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran

Koomesh:Vol. 27, issue 2; e150399

Published online:May 13, 2025

Article type:Research Article

How to Cite:Pejman Sheikhha, Shayan Ahmadnezhad, Mohammad Ezati Asar, Elahe Saleh, Investigating the Relationship Between Health Literacy and Anxiety Related to COVID-19 Among Students of the Faculty of Health, Semnan University of Medical Sciences.koomesh.2025;27(2):e150399.https://doi.org/10.69107/koomesh-150399.

Abstract

Background: Health literacy refers to individuals' ability to access, analyze, and understand basic health information and services, enabling them to make informed decisions about their health. Developing health literacy can have a significant impact on individuals' lives. By utilizing health literacy, individuals can acquire accurate information about diseases, their prevention, and available treatments, leading to improved quality of life, increased hope, and reduced rates of diseases and mortality. During the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals experienced severe anxiety.

Objectives: This research aims to investigate the impact of health literacy on COVID-19 anxiety.

Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 110 health major students (public, environmental, and occupational) at the Semnan University of Medical Sciences in 2022 using stratified random sampling. Data was collected through the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HELIA) and the Coronavirus Disease Anxiety Scale (CDAS Questionnaire), and multiple regression analysis was used to examine the impact of health literacy on COVID-19 anxiety.

Results: Health literacy levels were assessed as 18.2% excellent, 60% sufficient, 20.9% borderline, and 0.9% inadequate. The level of COVID-19 anxiety was evaluated as 1.89% mild, 10% moderate, and 0.9% severe. Health literacy had a significant inverse effect on COVID-19 anxiety (P = 0.018, B = -0.25).

Conclusion: Educating and promoting health literacy concepts in universities, educational environments, and interventions are very important. Utilizing the available resources to conduct educational classes and counseling sessions, and incorporating supplementary workshops on health promotion, nutrition, and other health-related topics into students' academic programs, is essential to enhance health literacy.

Keywords

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Author(s):

Pejman Sheikhha:[PubMed][Scholar]
Shayan Ahmadnezhad:[PubMed][Scholar]
Mohammad Ezati Asar:[PubMed][Scholar]
Elahe Saleh:[PubMed][Scholar]