Investigating the correlation of health literacy with eating behavior and health perception in adult individuals

Limited levels of health literacy can have a negative impact on individuals, society and the health care system. This study was conducted to determine the relationship of health literacy among adults to eating behavior and health perception. The population of the study was composed of adults in the age group of 30–60 years in the service regions of 10 Family Health Centers affiliated with the city center of Malatya located in eastern Turkey. Descriptive Information Form, the Adult Health Literacy Scale, the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire, and the Perception of Health Scale were used to collect the data. The data were collected with face-to-face interview technique and analyzed by using number, percentage, and linear regression analysis. It was determined that there was a statistically positive linear effect between health literacy and eating behavior (p < 0.05) and between health literacy and health perception (p < 0.001). It was determined that health literacy, health perception, and its subscales accounted for 1.3% (R2 = .013) of the change in the eating behavior, the dependent variable. It was determined that the eating behavior subscales and health literacy accounted for almost 19% (R2 = .188) of the change in the health perception, the dependent variable. According to the results of the study, eating behaviors and health perceptions can be improved by increasing the health literacy of the individuals. It is recommended for nurses to provide individuals with trainings increasing their knowledge levels about health information, health literacy and eating behavior and consulting them.