Association between Health Literacy and Office Syndrome Prevention Behaviors among University Students

Abstract

This analytical cross -sectional study examined the relationship between health literacy and office syndrome prevention behaviors among 332 university students in the College of Allied Health Sciences . Data were collected using a structured online questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, six domains of health literacy, and prevention behaviors . Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Pearson's correlation were applied. Most participants reported high daily screen exposure, and pr evention behaviors were predominantly at a moderate level . Significant differences across academic years were found in several health literacy domains, including access to information, knowledge and understanding, decision -making, and overall health litera cy. However, prevention behaviors did not differ by year of study . The overall association between total health literacy and prevention behaviors was weak and nonsignificant (r = 0.086, p = 0.117). Among individual domains, knowledge and understanding and self-management showed the strongest positive associations with preventive behaviors, while access to information alone did not predict action. These findings indicate that information exposure is insufficient to influence ergonomic practices without corresponding skills to interpret and apply health information. Strengthening practical competencies particularly comprehension, critical appraisal, and self -management may be more effective than information -focused approaches . Given the high prevalence of prolonged screen use, universities should prioritize health literacy programs that integrate applied ergonomic training and promote supportive environments to reduce office syndrome related risks among students.