Relationship between E-health literacy and healthy lifestyle behaviours of Turkish health sciences students

Abstract

PurposeE-health literacy (EHL) and healthy lifestyle behaviours (HLBs) are important for individuals receiving health education. Health professionals of the future should be conscious, e-health literate and develop HLBs. The aims of this study were to determine the EHL and HLBs of university students receiving health education and to examine the relationship between them. Design/methodology/approachA total of 1,454 health sciences students, between the ages of 18-27, were included in the study. Participants' data were collected online via Google Forms. Participants' EHL levels were assessed with the E-Health Literacy Scale. Participants' HLB were assessed with the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviours Scale II. FindingsPositive weak correlation was found between EHL and HLB (p < 0.001, r = 0.329). EHL scores of bachelor's degree students were higher than associate degree students (p = 0.004). HBL total score bachelor's and associate degree student scores were similar (p = 0.714). Originality/valueThis article addresses an important gap in understanding health sciences students' online reading habits about health and their relationship to HLB. Considering that there is a positive relationship between EHL and HLBs of students in the health departments of universities, increasing the EHL levels of students will help to increase HLBs.