Young adult health literacy on health promotion as social determinant of health: Challenges for health education practice in Lithuania

Lithuanian University of Educational Sciences, Vilnius, Lithuania

Abstract

A synthesis of theory, research, and practice shows that education is linked to better health through individuals’ increased health knowledge and healthy behaviour. Health literacy is put forward as the central mediator between education and health. Scientific studies have shown a strong association between the levels of health literacy and health outcomes. The aim of the study is to identify the levels of health literacy on health promotion among Lithuania’s young adults. The anonymous self-reported questionnaire survey was carried out in the period of 2014-2015. The research sample involved 842 young adults aged 18-29. Health literacy was measured using an HLS-EU-Q-47 questionnaire. The research studies suggest that less than half of Lithuanian young adults have sufficient or excellent health literacy on health promotion, which is essential in maintaining good health and the quality of life. These findings are important evidence that health education should become a priority area at all levels of educational process at every stage of the life: from childhood through adulthood.