Health Literacy regarding Prevention and Control of COVID-19 in Iran

Health literacy is a critical factor in the management of non-communicable and communicable diseases, such as COVID-19. The present study aimed to evaluate the status of health literacy concerning the prevention and control of COVID-19 among Iranian population in 2020. The present cross-sectional study was conducted using a researcher-made online questionnaire (The questionnaire consisted of seven multiple-choice demographic items and 50 questions on the health literacy of respondents during the coronavirus epidemic.) to collect data from 1200 Iranian compatriots selected via convenience sampling in 2020. Collected data were analyzed by running T-test, one‑way analysis of variance, Pearson test, and regression test using SPSS25 software. Significance level was considered <0.05. The mean score of health literacy was 66.33±15.48 indicating higher rates in women, age group of 20-25 years, single people, urbanites, employees, healthy people, and individuals with academic education (p<0.001). Study variables could predict 42.5% health literacy concerning the prevention and control of COVID-19. Gender, residential area, health status, level of education, and occupation were significant predictors of health literacy (p<0.001). Based on the findings, the health literacy of Iranian people was at a relatively desirable level. However, health authorities are required to design and implement purposeful and theory-based educational programs to raise the level of awareness in society.