Research Article

Health Literacy, Health Status Perception, and Educational Background as Predictors of Rational Drug Use Knowledge in Individuals with Chronic Diseases

Volume: 16 Number: 3 July 1, 2025
Acıbadem Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi Cover
Acıbadem Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi
PDF Download
EN

Health Literacy, Health Status Perception, and Educational Background as Predictors of Rational Drug Use Knowledge in Individuals with Chronic Diseases

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the predictive role of health literacy, health status perception and education status on the knowledge level of individuals with chronic diseases regarding rational drug use. Methods: The model of the study is relationship screening and descriptive. The study group consisted of individuals with chronic diseases (n = 272) who applied to two family health centers in a province in the Western Black Sea Region between March 15 and June 3, 2021. Data were collected using the “Individual Identification Form, Health Literacy Scale and Rational Drug Use Scale”. Data were analyzed using descriptive tests, Pearson correlation and hierarchical regression tests. Results: While health literacy and health status perception variables significantly predicted the level of knowledge on rational drug use of individuals with chronic diseases, educational status was not a significant predictor. Conclusion: As the Health Literacy levels of individuals with chronic diseases increase, the level of Rational Drug Use knowledge also increases. The knowledge levels of individuals with chronic diseases regarding rational drug use are affected by their health literacy levels and health status perception variables. Continuous awareness studies can be conducted to increase the level of knowledge of rational drug use, health literacy levels, and health status perceptions of individuals with chronic diseases.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

The author does not declare any funding.

Ethical Statement

Ethical approval (Date/Number: 2020/12) was obtained from the ethical committee of a university.

Thanks

The authors thank the individuals who participated in the study.

References

  1. 1. World Health Organization. Rational use of medicines: progress in implementing the WHO medicines strategy report by the Secretariat, Executive Board 118/6. 2006. Accessed: 2023-11-10, https://apps.who.int/gb/ebwha/pdf_files/EB118/B118_6-en.pdf
  2. 2. Demirtaş Z, Dağtekin G, Sağlan R, et al. Validity and reliability of rational drug use scale. Eskişehir Turkish World Application and Research Center Public Health Journal. 2018;3(3):37-46. Accessed: 2020-01-02, https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/573814
  3. 3. Çifçi S, Bayram Değer V and Ulutaşdemir N. Evaluation of attitudes and knowledge levels of university employess towards rational drug use and health perception. Gümüşhane University Journal of Health Sciences. 2021;10(4):943-54. DOI: https://doi.org/10.37989/gumussagbil.944850
  4. 4. Alp F and Aslan Y. The relationship between rational drug use and health literacy: A meta-analysis study. 7th İnternational 17th National Health And Disease Management Congress Abstract And Full Text Proceedings Book; 2024. p.288-98. Accessed: 2025-02-17, https://l24.im/WIAfsjY
  5. 5. World Health Organization. Health literacy the solid facts. 2013. Accessed: 2023-11-09, https://www.who.int/europe/publications/i/item/9789289000154
  6. 6. Yiğitalp G, Bayram Değer V and Çifçi, S. Health literacy, health perception and related factors among different ethnic groups: a cross-sectional study in southeastern Turkey. BMC Public Health. 2021;21:1109. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-11119-7
  7. 7. Shahid R, Shoker M, Chu LM, et al. Impact of low health literacy on patients' health outcomes: a multicenter cohort study. BMC Health Services Research. 2022;22(1):1148. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-022-08527-9
  8. 8. Akpınar CV, Mandıracıoğlu A, Ozvurmaz S. et al. Adherence to treatment and health literacy of individuals with chronic diseases in a rural area. Ege Medical Journal. 2023;62(3):406-17. Accessed: 2025-02-20, http://egetipdergisi.com.tr/en/download/article-file/3409804

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Public Health (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Early Pub Date

June 18, 2025

Publication Date

July 1, 2025

Submission Date

September 3, 2024

Acceptance Date

March 13, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 16 Number: 3

DOI

https://doi.org/10.31067/acusaglik.1542924

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA49ZN63NE

Cite

RIS / Bibtex
EndNote
Zengin S, Karakaş M, Çelebi E, Çingöl N (July 1, 2025) Health Literacy, Health Status Perception, and Educational Background as Predictors of Rational Drug Use Knowledge in Individuals with Chronic Diseases. Acıbadem Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi 16 3 397–403.