Effectiveness of a Structured Health Literacy Education Program on Health Literacy and Self-efficacy in Adolescents

Effectiveness of a Structured Health Literacy Education Program on Health Literacy and Self-efficacy in Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled study evaluates the effectiveness of a structured health literacy education program designed for ninth-grade adolescents in a public high school. A total of 102 students were stratified by gender and randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group received a six-session health literacy education program delivered in the school setting. The program focused on improving adolescents' ability to access, understand, evaluate, and apply health-related information, as well as strengthening self-efficacy skills. Health literacy and self-efficacy were measured before and after the intervention using validated scales. The study aims to determine whether a structured school-based education program can improve adolescents' health knowledge and self-efficacy levels.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being a 9th-grade student enrolled in a public high school
• Aged between 14 and 15 years
• Providing written informed assent
• Having parental/guardian consent for participation

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having difficulties in Turkish literacy
• Presence of a diagnosed physical or mental condition that could interfere with participation
• Absence from two or more educational sessions
• Withdrawal of consent during the study