The relationship between media literacy and health literacy among pregnant women in health centers of Isfahan
Volume 7, Issue 1, March and April 2017, Pages 1-6
. Farideh Akbarinejad, . Mohammad Reza Soleymani1, . Leila Shahrzadi
Abstract Background: The ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and convey information in various forms
of media including print and nonprint requires media literacy, but the capacity to obtain, process,
and understand basic information and services needed for appropriate decisions regarding
health, considered an important element in a woman’s ability to participate in health promotion
and prevention activities for herself and her children, is needed to a level of health literacy. The
purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between media literacy and health
literacy among pregnant women in health centers in Isfahan. Materials and Methods: This
study used a descriptive correlation study. Data collection tools include Shahin media literacy
and functional health literacy in adults’ questionnaires. The population include pregnant
women in health centers of Isfahan (4080 people). Ten out of the 351 health centers in Isfahan
were selected as cluster. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: Media literacy of respondents in the five dimensions was significantly lower than
average 61.5% of pregnant women have inadequate health literacy, 18.8% had marginal health
literacy, and only 19.7% of them have had adequate health literacy. There was a significant
positive relationship between media literacy and health literacy among pregnant women.
Conclusion: This study showed that the majority of pregnant women covered by health
centers had limited health literacy and media literacy. Since one of the basic requirements for
the utilization of health information is needed for adequate media literacy, promotion of media
literacy is necessary for the respondents.