Examine the Relationship between Health Literacy Level and Over-the-Counter (Otc) Product Consumption During the Period of the Global Pandemic Caused by Covid-19

Year 2025, Issue: 71, 21 - 37, 27.06.2025

Muhammed Esat Çetin

https://doi.org/10.26650/JECS2024-1520365

Abstract

This study contributes to the literature by examining the relationship between individuals’ health literacy levels and their consumption of over-the-counter products. The sample of the study consisted of 416 individuals aged 18 years and over, who were reached through Google Forms and patients and their relatives who were hospitalized in the emergency and units of Prof. Dr. Süleyman Yalçın City Hospital in Istanbul. The data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation models were used statistically.

The study revealed a positive correlation between health literacy and customer satisfaction. In addition, fear of COVID-19 was found to have a positive effect on customer satisfaction. Another factor found to have a positive effect on customer satisfaction was perceived economic value. Perceived economic risk was found to have a significant negative effect on perceived economic value. Fear of COVID-19 was found to have a positive effect on perceived risk. As a result, it was concluded that studies to increase the health literacy of individuals are necessary to increase customer satisfaction in the consumption of health products.

Keywords

Over-the-counter Medicines, OTC, Health Literacy, COVID-19, Customer Satisfaction

Ethical Statement

Ethical approval for the study was obtained from Istanbul University Social and Human Sciences Research Ethics Committee.

Supporting Institution

The author declare that this study has not received any financial support.

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