Cent Eur J Public Health 2025, 33(1):24-29 | DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a8336

Health literacy and socioeconomic characteristics of young people in Serbia and their influence on reproductive health and sexual behaviour

Milena Maričić1, Goran Stojanović1, Zlata Rajković Pavlović2, Jovana Milosavljević3, Melanija Tepavčević3, Kristijan Jovanović3, Nikoleta Janićijević4, Milos Stepović3
1 College of Health Sciences, Academy of Applied Studies Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
2 Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
3 Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
4 Department of Hygiene and Ecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia

Objectives: Having adequate level of health literacy is a very powerful tool of improving health. "Emerging adulthood" is described as a period between age of 18-25 years, characterized by changing life circumstances, developing personality and exploring possibilities. The aim of this study was to establish the relationship between health literacy and socioeconomic status of young adults in Serbia and their individual influence on the reproductive health and sexual behaviour.

Methods: This research was conducted as observational, cross-sectional study. We used STOFHLA to assess the health literacy level of young people and general information questionnaire for demographic, social and economic characteristics of respondents, health knowledge and behaviour in the area of reproductive health. Chi-square test was performed to assess the existence of association between categorical variables using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).

Results: Results of our research found significant connection between levels of health literacy and age groups, marital status, but also connection with living in rural place. Socio-demographic factors and health literacy levels had significant impact on various aspects of sexual behaviour and reproductive health knowledge.

Conclusion: The importance of this research is reflected in its contribution to a clearer understanding of the impact of health literacy and socioeconomic status on the reproductive health of young people in Serbia, with the aim of improving public policies, health interventions and educational programmes, which would contribute to reducing health inequalities, improving health outcomes, and developing targeted educational initiatives.

Keywords: reproductive health, health literacy, socioeconomic status, sexual behaviour, Serbia

Received: June 29, 2024; Revised: February 24, 2025; Accepted: February 24, 2025; Published: March 31, 2025  Show citation

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Maričić M, Stojanović G, Rajković Pavlović Z, Milosavljević J, Tepavčević M, Jovanović K, et al.. Health literacy and socioeconomic characteristics of young people in Serbia and their influence on reproductive health and sexual behaviour. Cent Eur J Public Health. 2025;33(1):24-29. doi: 10.21101/cejph.a8336.
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