Navigational Health literacy of Kazakhstan students

Abstract Background This study aimed to assess navigational health literacy (NL) (the ability to navigate the healthcare system) among university students from various academic backgrounds, as a component of overall health literacy (HL)-the capacity to find, understand, evaluate, and use health-related information. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,327 students from multidisciplinary, technical, and medical universities in Karaganda, Kazakhstan. The HS19-NAV questionnaire was used to assess NL in health issues. Descriptive statistics defined the prevalence of NL outcomes. Pearson's correlation tested continuous variables, and chi-square tested categorical variables (p < 0.05). Linear regression identified factors associated with NL, using socio-demographic factors, self-rated health, health behaviors, and relevant correlates as independent variables. Results 64.2% of participants were women, 35.8% men, with an average age of 21.12 years (SD = 7.24). Respondents were from all 17 regions of Kazakhstan with 61.9% from urban areas. Most lived with parents/relatives (29.3%), followed by dormitories (26.5%), private apartments (25.7%), and rented housing (18.3%). The mean NL score was 87.18 (SD = 14.16). Medical students had the highest NL scores (90.37), followed by technical (85.31) and humanities/social sciences students (81.5). Access to medications (84.4%) and medical exams/treatment (76.5%) were associated with significantly higher NL (p = 0.001). Students with better self-rated health also showed higher NL (p = 0.001). Key predictors of NL included urban origin (β = 4.0, p < 0.013), good financial status (β = 2.99, p < 0.022), physical activity (β = 6.48, p < 0.01), and vaccination-related HL (β = 0.13, p < 0.001). Conclusions Students in medical fields and from urban areas showed higher NL scores. NL was positively associated with better self-rated health, financial ability, and physical status, while financial difficulties had a negative influence. Key messages • Strengthening navigational literacy across all healthcare levels, especially among youth, and developing strategies to improve HL in institutions is essential and may be especially valuable. • Students’ HL should be evaluated on a regular basis in order to track their progress, identify potential gaps, and take relevant action.