Factors Influencing Health Literacy Competency of Nurses in a Public Hospital

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing health literacy competency among nurses at a public hospital, a crucial facility serving vulnerable populations, including the elderly, foreign workers, and individuals with disabilities.Methods: This descriptive study assessed health literacy competency and cultural competence among nurses and identified factors influencing health literacy competency. Data were collected through an online survey from October 6th to 16th. A total of 199 nurses working at a public hospital in D city participated. The inclusion criteria were nurses with more than six months of clinical experience who provided direct nursing care. Health literacy competency was measured using a 42-tiem tool with a 4-point Likert scale, while cultural competence was assessed using a 14-item tool with a 7-point Likert scale. Higher scores indicated higher levels of health literacy competency and the cultural competence.Results: The findings revealed that nurses’ health literacy competency (2.93 ± 0.42) and cultural competency (4.48 ± 1.02) were at a moderate level. Cultural competence was identified as a significant factor influencing the health literacy competency (β= 0.52, <i>p</i>< 0.001).Conclusions: These findings highlight the need to develop training programs aimed at enhancing hospital nurses’ health literacy competency.