The Effect of Media Literacy on Social Health with the Mediating Role of Moral Literacy: A Case Study

Abstract

Introduction : The development of media literacy and expansion of social health and moral literacy can pave the way for desirable performance.This study investigated the effect of media literacy on social health using the mediating role of moral literacy among medical staff in Aligudarz. Methods : The present applied research was a descriptive-analytical study. Tools to gather data consisted of three Taman’s Media Literacy scales, Keyes’ Social Health, and Moral Literacy Questionnaires. The sample size was 217 people from Aligoudarz Health Personnel selected via a simple random sampling method. The data were analyzed by Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), Structural Equation modeling, and Pearson Correlation in the SPSS-24 and Smart-PLS software. Results : The study of the mediating role of moral literacy based on the bootstrapping approach showed an insignificant direct effect of media literacy on social health (t = 0/37, p> 0/05). Media literacy indirectly affects social health through moral literacy, equal to 0/38 (t = 6/18 p <0/05). Moral literacy has a complete mediating role in the relationship between media literacy and social health.According to the Sobel test, moral literacy has a significant mediating role in media literacy and social health. Conclusion : Media literacy potential affects social health.Therefore, using moral literacy makes it possible to promote social health, especially among medical staff.