Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics

2 Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Kerman Medical University, Kerman, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: The increasing trend in waste production and its improper disposal in the
environment have led to mismanagement of national resources and hazards to the natural
environment. Therefore the recycling of solid waste can help prevent economic and
bioenvironmental disasters. The aim of this study was to evaluate the health literacy of the
student of the Kerman Public Health School, about the management and recycling of solid
waste. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study and the target population was all of the
students of the Kerman Public Health School (421 students), in five fields. A questionnaire
including demographic and health literacy questions was distributed among the students.
Results: The male students answered the questions significantly more than female students
(P < 0.001). The Environmental Health students acquired a higher score than all other
students and health literacy significantly increased as the student’s studying degree promoted
(P < 0.001). Also as the number of trimesters increased, health literacy significantly increased
(P < 0.001). The parents’ education, the family income and number of people in the family had
no significant effect on health literacy. All students believed recycling is important and more than
50% had acquired their knowledge from their academics. Conclusion: This survey showed that
students in health related fields although confirm its necessity, but need more education in health
literacy as they are supposed to be the promoters of public health in the society in the near future.

Keywords

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