Health and health literacy among social work students in Germany: A cross-sectional health survey

A university is a living environment that can influence people’s health. This study aims to analyze health and health literacy of Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) students in comparison with students in other study programs. A survey was conducted among all students at the University of Kassel regarding their health and health literacy. The survey evaluated general health status, disability, and health literacy. In this study, BSW students had an adverse health status compared to other students. Only 66.9% of the BSW students rated their general health as very good or good (vs. 79.7% in other study programs). BSW students are also more likely to be moderately or severely limited in daily activities due to chronic health conditions than students in other study programs. In contrast, health literacy levels differ little between BSW students and other students. This study highlights the need for health (literacy) promotion in social work studies.