Sadra Medical Journal

The Relationship Between Health Literacy and Sense of Purpose with Quality of Life: The Mediating Role of Self-Care Among Students at Islamic Azad University Branches in Tehran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Yalda Arshadi
Mitra Kamyabi
Najmeh Hajipour Abaie
Vida Andishmand

Department of Educational Science and Psychology, Ke.C., Islamic Azad University, Kerman, Iran

https://doi.org/10.30476/smsj.2026.106531.1622
Abstract
Introduction: The present study aimed to examine the relationship between health literacy and a sense of purpose with quality of life, and the mediating role of self-care among students at Islamic Azad University branches in Tehran.
Methods: This study employed a descriptive-correlational design. The statistical population included master’s and Ph.D students in the humanities at Islamic Azad University branches in Tehran during the 2024–2025 academic year. A total of 384 participants were selected using a multi-stage cluster random sampling method. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires and analyzed through structural equation modelling using SPSS (version 24) and LISREL (version 8.80) software. The research instruments demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranging from 0.66 to 0.89.
Results: The findings indicated that health literacy, a sense of purpose, and self-compassion had a significant positive impact on the quality of life of students at the Islamic Azad University branches in Tehran. The mean levels of quality of life, health literacy, sense of purpose, and self-care were evaluated as satisfactory. Furthermore, path analysis revealed that health literacy (β=0.526), sense of purpose (β=0.585), and self-care (β=0.440) all had a positive and significant relationship with students’ quality of life (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Based on these findings, it could be concluded that students with higher levels of health literacy, sense of purpose, and self-compassion were inclined to have a better quality of life. These variables played a crucial role in enhancing students’ quality of life.

Keywords

Quality of life
Health literacy
Self-care
Students
Value of Life
Goals
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Sadra Medical Journal
Volume 14, Issue 2
Spring 2026
Pages 393-408

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