Path analysis of health literacy, health related behavior and quality of life among college students in Hangzhou

Objective To understand the current status of health literacy, health-related behaviors and quality of life among college students. Methods All the participants were investigated with Health and Wellness of College Students, Chinese Adolescent Health Related Behavior Questionnaire (college students version) and the SF-36 Health Survey Scale. Multiple linear regression and structural equation model were used in statistical analysis. Results The average score of quality of life was (64.87± 25.23). Health literacy, dietary habits, exercise behavior, and drinking behavior showed significant impact on quality of life(P< 0.05). Structural equation model analysis showed that health-related knowledge indirectly affected physiological health (0.161) and psychological health (0.137) through health-related behaviors; healthy lifestyle indirectly affected physiological health (0.063) and psychological health (0.130) through health-related behaviors. Conclusion Health literacy has direct effect on quality of life, as well as indirect effect through health-related behaviors. This article articulates the need to develop health literacy courses and specific health literacy intervention for college students.