Correlation between health literacy and self-care behaviors in patients with COVID-19

Background and Objectives: To investigate the correlation between health literacy and self-care behaviors among patients with COVID-19 in Rafsanjan, Iran. Due to the prevalence of corona disease worldwide and the lack of definitive and known treatment for it, the ability of patients to take care of themselves and Adherence to maintaining health is the best known way to prevent. Materials and methods: This descriptive study was performed in the first 6 months of 2020 on patients referred to health centers in Rafsanjan in 2020 with a confirmed COVID-19. Samples were selected by census method. The Health Literacy Questionnaire (HELIA) and the researcher-made self-care questionnaire were used and completed electronically. Results: One hundred and one eligible COVID-19 patients were enrolled in the study, 44.6% of participation having (THL lt; 132) and 55.4% of participation having (THL ≥ 133), and self-care had a significant weak and positive correlation only with Understand (one of the components of health literacy). Conclusions:  The results, showed that health literacy had a significant weak correlation with self-care in patients with COVID-19, therefore patients need proper knowledge and attitude to successfully develop self-care ability in order to successfully control their disease and prevent transmission to others.