Korean J Fam Med.  2019 May;40(3):188-193. 10.4082/kjfm.18.0060.

Evaluating the Effect of Educational Interventions on Health Literacy through Social Networking Services to Promote Students' Quality of Life

• Khaleghi M
• Shokravi F
• Peyman N
• Moridi M

• KMID: 2449018
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.18.0060

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Studies have shown the health literacy effects on the general state of health and its related factors, as well as health outcomes, physical and mental health, and health-related quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the effect of training based on health literacy through social networking strategies to promote health-related quality of life among students of Islamic Azad University, Shahr Rey Branch, Iran.
METHODS
This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 120 students with poor or average quality of life score. Participants were randomly assigned into experimental and control groups (60 participants each). Health literacy and quality of life data were collected at baseline, immediately after, and 3 months after intervention. The educational intervention was conducted online using social networking services. Data were analyzed using SPSS ver. 16.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).
RESULTS
The results showed no significant differences between the two groups in terms of health literacy and quality of life at baseline (P=0.979 and 0.269, respectively). The mean score of health literacy and quality of life in the experimental group, compared with the control group, significantly increased immediately after and 3 months after the intervention (P<0.001).
CONCLUSION
The educational intervention administered by applying health literacy strategies online, through social networking services, can be effective in improving the quality of life of students.

Keyword

Health Literacy; Quality of Life; Social Networking; Students

MeSH Terms

Health Literacy*
Humans
Iran
Islam
Mental Health
Quality of Life*
Social Networking