Determination Of Health Literacy In Different Generations

BACKGROUND The development of health literacy (HL) is critical in reducing lifestyle-related diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine levels of HL and related variables among members of Generations X and Z. METHODS This study was a descriptive survey conducted in the city of Antalya, Turkey. Participants were 350 Generation Z students and 150 Generation X parents. We created a personal data form for both students and parents, and used the Secondary Education HL Scale and Adult HL Scale for data collection. RESULTS The average HL score of Generation Z was 20.98 +/- 6.19 and that of Generation X 17.38 +/- 3.54. The HL levels of 75% of the Generation Z were low to marginal and those of 33.1% of the Generation X were below average. CONCLUSIONS More than half of the Generation Z students and about one-third of Generation X parents were found to have low HL. Health professionals and nurses can give direction to the different generations to improve overall HL.