Health literacy of students at the Université Joseph KI-ZERBO of Ouagadougou in 2024

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Résumé

Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Health literacy refers to the ability of individuals to obtain, understand, and use health information. The objective of our study was to assess the literacy level of students at Joseph KI-ZERBO University in 2024.

METHODS AND MATERIAL:
It was a cross-sectional study with analytical purpose carried out from January 15 to June 15, 2024, among students of the University Joseph KI-ZERBO (Ouagadougou) in 2024. A stratified two-stage sampling was carried out, proportionally distributing the participants according to the number of each UFR/Institute, which served as main strata. The sample was determined according to their relative weight in the total population. Cluster analysis was performed using a hierarchical classification to assess student health literacy.

RESULTS:
The study population consisted of 53.76% men, mostly aged 21 to 25 (60.09%), and single (95.93%). The majority were licentiate 1 (38.07%), Burkinabe nationality (99.27%), and nonscholarship holders (80.37%). More than half had no health insurance (90.83%) and resided in urban areas (93.48%). It shows that most students face challenges in health literacy, particularly in their ability to actively manage their health, with a score of 2.53, and in their understanding of health information, with a score of 3.05.

CONCLUSIONS:
The study found an adequate level of health literacy among UJKZ students, but challenges remain in proactively managing their health and understanding health information.

Mots-clés

Cluster analysis; health literacy; health management; Joseph KI-ZERBO university