Abstract
Background and Objective: Individuals who are aware of the positive effects of kindness use it as a means for maintaining and controlling their health. We performed this study to investigate the relationship between self-compassion and health literacy in first grade high school students in Gonabad, Iran.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive correlational study was conducted in 351 male and female first grade high school students in Gonabad, Iran, in 2017. The participants were recruited via the stratified random sampling method. A self-report compassion questionnaire and health literacy questionnaire were used for data collection. Pearson correlation coefficient, multiple regression, independent t-test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) test were run for data analysis using SPSS, version 20.
Results: The mean scores of health literacy and self-compassion were 77.11±17.41 and 71.6±12.9, respectively. The results showed a significant positive correlation between the students' health literacy and self-compassion (r=0.311, P<0.01). We found a significant difference in the level of health literacy between the male and female students (P=0.011). However, there was no significant difference in the level of compassion between the male and female students (P=0.109).
Conclusion: This study demonstrated a significant relationship between self-compassion and health literacy. Therefore, to prevent the imposition of heavy costs and develop a culture of promoting health literacy, we recommend broadcasting audio and video programs, distributing educational flyers, as well as holding training courses and workshops.