The relationship between health literacy and health-seeking behavior amongst university students in Ghana: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The crises of the last decades have provided more evidence of the need for health literacy as a measure of resilience and preparedness. In this study the relationship between health literacy and health-seeking behavior was investigated.

METHODS

This study used a cross-sectional design with a questionnaire of five sections dedicated to health-seeking behavior, health literacy, family background, socioeconomic status and demographics. Health-seeking behavior was used in three dimensions namely preference for hospitals, self-medication, and herbal medicine. The questionnaire was completed by 262 students at the University of Ghana.

RESULTS

A significant linear regression model ( = 0.39, ² = 0.15, Adjusted R² = 0.13, F = 8.89,  < 0.001) supported the relationship between health literacy and health-seeking in health facilities such as hospitals. A Pearson correlation further showed an association between self-medication and preference for herbal medication.

CONCLUSION

Findings support the crucial role of health literacy in timely hospital visits by patients. This implies the need to improve health literacy through education, policy, and research. This can promote prevention of diseases through timely health-seeking and improve preparedness against health crises. The study suggests health literacy should be integrated into educational curricula and regular health campaigns run by public health agencies.