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Journals / Journal of Aviation / 2026 / Volume: 10 Issue: 1

Health Perception Among Pilots: Unexpected Findings Regarding Health Literacy

Sera Rüya Beköz(ANTALYA BILIM UNIVERSITY)0000-0002-9572-9202
Alev Banu Beköz(ANTALYA BILIM UNIVERSITY, ACADEMY OF CIVIL AVIATION)0009-0005-9769-5500
Pages
—
Publication Date
2026-02-26
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

Contrary to expectations, the results revealed a significant decrease in overall health literacy scores, particularly in the dimensions of understanding and using/applying health-related information.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:Health literacy plays a critical role in ensuring aviation safety by influencing pilots’ ability to make informed health-related decisions.
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Key Findings & Data:This study aimed to examine the impact of a mandatory theoretical course, Human Performance, on the health literacy levels of pilots who are enrolled in a university's pilotage program.
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Conclusion & Impact:Contrary to expectations, the results revealed a significant decrease in overall health literacy scores, particularly in the dimensions of understanding and using/applying health-related information.
🔬Design:Research Article
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Health Literacy · Health Perception of Pilots · Health Literacy Levels

Abstract

Health literacy plays a critical role in ensuring aviation safety by influencing pilots’ ability to make informed health-related decisions. This study aimed to examine the impact of a mandatory theoretical course, Human Performance, on the health literacy levels of pilots who are enrolled in a university's pilotage program. The academic and practical importance of this study lies in understanding how aviation training content relates to pilots’ perception and understanding of health-related knowledge. A single-group pretest–posttest design was used, with 19 licensed pilots assessed before and after completing the course. Contrary to expectations, the results revealed a significant decrease in overall health literacy scores, particularly in the dimensions of understanding and using/applying health-related information. These findings suggest that the course content may have increased pilots’ awareness of the complexity of health-related matters in aviation and revealed gaps in their prior knowledge, leading them to approach such information with greater caution.

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Cite This Article

Beköz, S. R., Beköz, A. B. (2026). Health Perception Among Pilots: Unexpected Findings Regarding Health Literacy. Journal of Aviation, Volume: 10 Issue: 1. https://doi.org/10.30518/jav.1716273

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