The impact of health literacy on college students’ psychological disturbances and quality of life: a structural equation modeling analysis

Abstract

Background The literature regarding the effect of health literacy on college students’ psychological health and quality of life is scarce. The purpose of conducting this cross-sectional study was to examine the effect of health literacy on certain psychological disturbances (perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and impulsivity) and quality of life of college students. Methods A cross-sectional quantitative design was utilized in this study. A total of 310 four-year college students participated in this study. The students completed a demographics questionnaire as well as already established and validated measures of health literacy, perceived stress, depressive symptoms, impulsivity, and quality of life. Structural equation modeling was performed to analyze the data to explore the effect of health literacy on the psychological disturbances and quality of life. Results The results showed that health literacy has a negative effect on three psychological disturbances commonly experienced by college students; perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and impulsivity. In addition, the effect of health literacy on the quality of life was positive. Conclusion The proposed conceptual model was supported. College students’ counseling staff could use the findings to better address students’ needs pertinent to psychological health and quality of life. Future research is warranted to develop a more comprehensive model that explains the role of health literacy in determining college students’ psychological health and quality of life.

Predictors of quality of life of nursing internship students from five Saudi universities

“… 22 However, enhancing health consciousness among college students would improve their psychological well-being and QoL. 23 Furthermore, increased wellness consciousness reduces anxiety, social distress, and hyperactivity, all of which improve college students' QoL. 23 All of the previous factors affecting NSs' QoL were integrated in the study by Failde et al.…”

“… 23 Furthermore, increased wellness consciousness reduces anxiety, social distress, and hyperactivity, all of which improve college students' QoL. 23 All of the previous factors affecting NSs' QoL were integrated in the study by Failde et al. (2019).…”

Validation and measurement invariance of the Arabic Health Literacy Questionnaire

“…Having limited health literacy is negatively associated with health behaviors such as performing physical activity, consuming healthy food, and properly managing body weight ( Geboers et al., 2016 ; Lim et al., 2017 ; Michou et al., 2018 ). The impact of health literacy on psychological health, social support, and quality of life is also reported in the literature ( Dodson et al., 2016 ; Geboers et al., 2016 ; Mohammadkhah et al., 2021 ; Rababah et al., 2020 ; Zheng et al., 2018 ). This brief discussion is only intended to highlight how health literacy plays an important function in preventing diseases and promoting health among different populations and age groups.…”

Research on the Problems and Countermeasures in College Students’ Life Education

“…In 1960, the United States began to take life education as a subject, and in 2006, Taiwan included life education as an elective course in high schools. Relevant practice has proved that special life education curriculum is the most important channel of life education for college students, as well as the most effective and direct way (Rababah, Al-Hammouri, & Drew, 2020). However, in mainland China, the curriculum setting of colleges and universities is limited, and the curriculum construction of life education is relatively lagging behind.…”