Investigation of the relationship between health literacy and rational drug use in university students: A cross-sectional study

Health literacy refers to individuals' ability to use medications safely and effectively. Despite easy access to information, university students often engage in irrational drug use. Understanding the relationship between health literacy and medication practices in this population is essential for promoting safe medication behaviors. This study aimed to assess health literacy among university students and its association with rational drug use, considering sociodemographic variables. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 320 first-year students at Kirşehir Ahi Evran University. Health literacy was measured using the Turkish Health Literacy Scale-32 (THLS-32), and rational drug use was assessed with the rational drug use Scale (RDUS). Descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests were used. Significance was set at P < .05. The median age was 20, and 74.1% were female. Most participants were single (96.3%) and had social security (80.6%). The median THLS-32 score was 27.0 (interquartile range: 21.0-36.0), and the median RDUS score was 21.0 (interquartile range: 19.0-24.0). A total of 45.6% had inadequate health literacy, and rational drug use levels were generally low. Health literacy was significantly higher among married students (P < .05), and rational drug use was higher among medical students (P < .05). Students from the Black Sea region had significantly higher health literacy than those from other regions (P < .001). There was no significant correlation between THLS-32 and RDUS scores (r = 0.02; P = .771). University students demonstrated low levels of health literacy and rational drug use. Sociodemographic factors such as marital status, region, and academic department influenced these outcomes. Educational interventions are recommended to promote health literacy and safe medication practices.