Health literacy for the prevention of noncommunicable diseases–health sciences students’ perception

BACKGROUND: World Health Organization highlights the importance of health literacy development for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) prevention and control. NCDs were recognized by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as a major challenge. The aim of our research is to explore health sciences students’ perception on the role of health literacy, digital health literacy and NCDs risk factors, related to their prevention. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 210 first year students from the Faculty of Medicine and the Medical College in Medical University-Sofia, Bulgaria. An anonymous questionnaire distributed among students and all respondents participated voluntarily. Data was collected during January 2023. A descriptive statistical method was used to analyze the data collected. RESULTS: Among respondents the majority 83,7% stated that promoting health literacy is an approach to promote the prevention of NCDs while 88,2% of them considered very important or important the role of digital health literacy among medical and non-medical professionals for NCDs prevention. Data collected show that a significant percentage (81,5%) among participants reported the necessity of interdisciplinary initiatives as an action to promote health literacy. In addition, more training on NCDs risk factors was pointed as essential by 82,0% of the students. CONCLUSIONS: It appears very important for the future health professionals to develop health literacy on and be familiar with the risk factors associated with NCDs. That could lead them to gain confidence, and be more effective in health issues related decision making. Special attention should be given the digital tools and instruments, as they can significantly contribute for the health literacy improvement. An interdisciplinary approach can provide the environment to optimize access to health information, and support health and well-being of individuals and communities. KEY MESSAGES: • Both health professionals to build capacity on health literacy improvement, and the population to directly engage, need interdisciplinary actions, focused on NCDs control and prevention. • The successful digital transformation of health services, requires digital competencies and skills. They are the major components for digital health literacy, that supports health and wellbeing.