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

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.