Year: 2025
Type: article
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.
Authors: Z Dauletkaliyeva, K Nukeshtayeva, Z Bolatova, G Kayupova, N Yerdessov, O Zhamantayev, A Takuadina
Institution: Karaganda Medical University
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,181
OpenAlex ID: W7101402409
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