Articles: health.
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Although health information is widely available to the Norwegian population a lack of health literacy is still common and considered a public health challenge. However, there is limited information on the health literacy of the adolescent population in Norway. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess health literacy and self-reported health habits among soldiers in basic military training, both in field, camp, and home settings. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate which health habits characterize soldiers with inadequate health literacy. ⋯ The results from our study suggest that the conscripts in the Norwegian Armed Forces have a lower health literacy than the general population, and this is reflected in reported higher frequency of unhealthy habits in service settings than at home. The Armed Forces have an opportunity to take responsibility to optimize the health skills of their soldiers and to encourage them to make informed decisions about their own health. Improved adaptation to the national recommendations regarding nutrition, tobacco use, and oral health are areas having the potential to greatly improve the overall health habits of conscripts.