Associations between eHealth literacy, mental health-seeking attitude, and mental wellbeing among young electronic media users in China during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the associations among mental health related eHealth literacy (eHL), mental health-seeking attitude, and wellbeing among Chinese young electronic media users during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in Guangzhou, China. The modified eHealth literacy Scale, Mental Help-Seeking Attitudes Scale, and Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale were used. Structural equation modeling (SEM) examined the associations between them and was adjusted by several controlled variables.ResultsTotally, 1,008 participants completed the questionnaire and provided valid responses. The eHL showed a statistically significant and direct effect on mental wellbeing in this sample. The higher the level of eHL, the better wellbeing of the participants. The mental health-seeking attitude is also positively correlated with mental wellbeing, indicating that the more positive attitude toward seeking mental health services, the better the wellbeing participants reported. The higher level of eHL is significantly associated with a more positive attitude toward seeking mental health services.ConclusionTraining to improve eHL may optimize young electronic media users' mental health outcomes. Development and use of a mental health specific eHL instrument in future studies should be encouraged.

Developing the Youth Mental Health Clinic in Hong Kong: refocus and revisit of clinical practice for youth in the new millennium

“…Management: In view of their higher mental health literacy probably due to digital information and peer sharing, 56 it is a good practice to engage the youth as our collaborating partners in their management. Similar to other age groups, immediate management would include assessment of any immediate risks to self or others, as well as any risk of neglect or abuse.…”

“…The mutual support of peers in the road of recovery would be the mainstay for the youth with advocacy of self-sufficiency, empowerment, and peer networking, 58 while mentoring by trustworthy adults would help the youth adapt and transform the experiences of the past for their own generations. 59 45,[55][56][57][58][59] health and socialisation, similar to therapeutic communities with guidance. 18 Engagement in art and cultural activities would improve stress coping and mental health for youth.…”

“…The practical tips in the clinical practice for youth mental health are summarised in the Table. 45,[55][56][57][58][59]…”

Moderating Effect of eHealth Literacy on the Associations of Coronaphobia With Loneliness, Irritability, Depression, and Stigma in Chinese Young Adults: Bayesian Structural Equation Model Study

“…Yang et al [ 16 ] found that high eHL was significantly associated with lower levels of depression, insomnia, and posttraumatic stress disorder in 15,000 Chinese individuals. Xu et al [ 17 ] also discovered that young people with high eHL who use web-based mental health–related information tend to have a more positive attitude toward seeking mental health services and reporting better mental well-being. Another study demonstrated that rural residents with high eHL were more willing to use telemedicine and had better health status, including mental health, at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic [ 18 ].…”