Sümeyye AHİ, Şeyma KARAKAYA, Fatemeh ÖZBEKİ
Addicta The Turkish Journal On Addictions - 2026;13(3):312-321
This study aimed to examine the relationship between university students' health literacy levels and their awareness of thirdhand smoke. Designed as a descriptive study, the research population comprised students from a state university in central Türkiye. Of the 798 students identified through a stratified sampling method, 787 were included in the study. Data were collected using a sociodemographic characteristics form, the Turkish Health Literacy-32 (THL-32) Scale, and the Thirdhand Smoke Awareness Scale (THSAS). Statistical analyses included t tests, ANOVA, and effect size calculations. Results showed that the mean THSAS score was 33.0 +/- 9 and the mean THL-32 score was 31.8 +/- 9.3. Awareness of thirdhand smoke was low, with only 10.9% of students reporting familiarity with the concept. Awareness scores were significantly higher among women, non-smokers, students aged 21 years or older, and those studying in health-related departments (p < .05). In conclusion, improving health literacy appears to be essential for enhancing students' awareness of thirdhand smoke and reducing health risks associated with tobacco exposure.
