ABSTRACT
Objective:
To analyze the relationship between sociodemographic and clinical factors with health literacy in Brazilian adolescents.
Method:
This is a cross-sectional study with 526 adolescents aged 14 to 19. Data were collected virtually between July and September 2021 using a sociodemographic characterization questionnaire, clinical profile and the Health Literacy Assessment Tool – Portuguese version. The variables were evaluated by multiple linear regression with normal response, with significance p < 0.05.
Results:
The average age was 16.9 years (±1.6), the average health literacy score was 25.3 (±5.4). Female gender (p = 0.014), university educational level (p = 0.002) and use of medication (p = 0.020) were related to higher levels of health literacy. Adolescents with chronic illnesses had a higher total literacy score, on average 1.51 points, compared to those without chronic illnesses.
Conclusion:
Male adolescents and those with less education performed worse in health literacy and, therefore, deserve special attention in health promotion actions.
DESCRIPTORS
Adolescent Health; Health Literacy; Health promotion; Social Determinants of Health; Adolescent Development