The Relationship between Multiple Intelligences and Health Literacy in Health Students in Gonabad UMS, 2017

Introduction: In regard to the importance of health literacy for creating a healthy society, the role of Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences is among the factors influencing health literacy. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of multiple intelligences on health literacy of students. Methods: This is a descriptive correlational study. The statistical population includes students studying at the School of Public Health at Gonabad University of Medical Sciences in 2017. The sample size chosen was 170 based on random stratified sampling. In order to collect the data, Montazeri et al.’s Health Literacy Questionnaire, and Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Questionnaire were used. Data was analyzed through SPSS 20. The Pearson correlation coefficient, regression and independent t-test were used to analyze the data. Results: The mean and standard deviation of students’ scores in the health literacy variable were 62.01 ± 9.17. The results showed that all aspects of multiple intelligences have a meaningful relationship with health literacy. Also, multiple intelligence components were 43.3 percent able to predict student health literacy. Conclusion: Considering the positive and significant relationship between multiple intelligences and health literacy, it is suggested that training courses and workshops be used to promote and strengthen the multiple intelligences and health literacy of students at the School of Public Health.