The relationship of e-health literacy levels of university students studying other than health sciences with health literacy, digital literacy, media and television literacy

Abstract

Objectives: Electronic health literacy plays an increasing role for people to protect and promote their health today. To increase the level of eHealth literacy of individuals helps to increase their capacity to meet their health needs. The aim of this study was to define the level of eHealth literacy of university students studying other than health science and its correlation with health literacy, digital literacy, media and television literacy, and screen time. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out by 476 trained undergraduate students in Bartin University, Turkey. In this study, a questionnaire, Health Literacy Scale, E-health Literacy Scale in Adolescents, Digital Literacy Scale, and Scale of Media and Television Literacy Levels were used as data collection tools. Results: The eHEALS score did not significantly differ according to sociodemographic characteristics of students. Multiple linear regression analysis found that digital literacy, the addiction of media and television, literacy of media and television, and health literacy significantly affect electronic health literacy. Conclusion: To increase students’ digital and media literacy will provide a significant contribution to improve their eHealth literacy skills to be healthier adults and older adults in their future life. Additionally, it is recommended that curriculum should include courses that develop students’ digital literacy levels. © 2023 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.