Evaluation of the Relationship between Health Literacy and Rational Drug Use in Patients Admitting to a Family Health Center

İlaç Kullanımının İlişkisinin DeğerlendirilmesiObjective: This study aimed to demonstrate that problems encountered in protecting individuals' health status, accessing healthcare services, participating in the treatment process, and using the correct medicine in the right amount and at the right time may be related to the level of health literacy. Material and Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted with 300 volunteers who applied to Yenibey no. 2 Family Health Center in Seyhan district, Adana province, between June 1, 2023 and July 31, 2023, after obtaining ethical approval.The first part of the data collection form consisted of 31 questions, the first 6 of which covered sociodemographic data.The remaining questions were designed to measure medication use habits related to rational drug use and the effects of health literacy.The second part contained the 32-item Türkiye Health Literacy Survey.Results: Among the 300 participants who applied to Yenibey No. 2 Family Health Center in Seyhan, Adana, the mean general health literacy score was 28.5±7.7 points, with approximately 64% having inadequate or problematic/limited health literacy levels.Low health literacy was strongly and statistically significantly associated (p=0.001-0.013)with irrational drug use behaviors, including self-medication without consulting a physician (25% frequently, 68% occasionally), using medicines based on suggestions from relatives/friends/neighbors, frequently keeping a continuous medicine stock at home (34%), and frequently requesting specific medicines to be prescribed during doctor visits.Higher education level, higher income, and having SGK or private insurance were significantly associated with better health literacy, whereas female gender, presence of chronic diseases, irregular follow-up, and more than 14 outpatient visits per year were linked to lower health literacy scores.Conclusion: In conclusion, targeted educational and awareness-raising interventions aimed at improving health literacy particularly focusing on low-education and low-income groups, women, and individuals with chronic diseases can enhance rational drug use practices and reduce the burden on the healthcare system.This study once again underscores the critical importance of primary care physicians' roles in patient education and guidance in regions such as Adana.Keywords: Health literacy,