Survey on Health Literacy of Librarians in Tehran University and Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Background and Objectives: This study was conducted to compare the health literacy of Tehran University and Tehran University of Medical Sciences due to the impact of librarians' role on health and in disseminating health information that promote health and empower the identification and controlling the factors that affect the society. Material and Methods: This was a descriptive survey. Study population consisted of librarians working on campus in libraries of Tehran university and Tehran university of Medical Sciences. Data were collected using the standard questionnaire TOFHLA (Test of Functional Health Literacy of Adults) In January 2015. For data analysis, descriptive (the mean SD) and analytical statistics (One-sided t-test, Friedman test) were applied. Results: The mean age of participants was 39.21±7.75 years, 74.7% of the participants were female and 69.3% had library science education. Health literacy scores were calculated as 83.7 ± 16.6. Among the participants, 82.3% had adequate health literacy, 3.8% marginal health literacy and 13.9% had inadequate health literacy. Health literacy of the librarians in both universities had no significant differences. Conclusion: Academic librarians have adequate level in health literacy. They can play an important role as trainers of health literacy in university and community. This is suggested to be one of the academic librarian's duties and be mentioned in their organizational position.