Role of factors in eHealth literacy in period of COVID-19: a study of Turkey

Abstract

PurposeThis study aims to understand the eHealth literacy skills of chronic patients and to explore the relations, patterns between eHealth literacy skills and different factors such as demographics, search strategies and health information sources and to explain their effects on eHealth literacy in Turkey in Izmir in COVID-19 outbreak.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative method was used in the study including a questionnaire. A total of 604 chronic patients responded to the questionnaire who applied the five popularly identified hospitals in Izmir in Turkey. CHAID analysis method was implemented to explore the strongest correlation between eHealth literacy and independent variables.FindingsUsing different social media types were correlated with patients’ eHealth literacy scores. Using Facebook, Twitter were the supportive predictors for the eHealth literacy scores. However, digital literacy was highly important for eHealth literacy.Originality/valueThis study shows that the social media channels which provides much more information such as Facebook and Twitter for the chronic patient. This could be beneficial for the eHealth tools and social media content developers in terms of the supply of health information. Moreover, the study gives ideas about the effect of digital literacy and the importance of health information provided.

Research into the relationship between digital health literacy and healthy lifestyle behaviors: an intergenerational comparison

“…Furthermore, in the studies of Jung et al (62) and Bak et al (63) it was reported that eHealth literacy was associated with age negatively. Also, the findings of Yuce et al were in line with those (57). On the other hand, Mitsutake et al (36) and Xesfingi and Vozikis (37) found a positive association between age and DHL levels.…”

“…Moreover, studies conducted during COVID-19 period, Rivadeneira et al (54) and Dadaczynski et al (56) found higher digital health literacy scores in male groups. On the other hand, Zakar et al (52), Yuce et al (57), and Holt et al (58) revealed that females had higher DHL levels than males. Also, several studies have found no significant correlation between gender and DHL score (37,59).…”

Health Literacy Factors for Community Well-Being in the Endémic Era: Youth Consumer Insight

“…Facebook and Twitter were found to be significant predictors of eHealth literacy scores. Nevertheless, eHealth literacy was significantly reliant on digital literacy (Yuce et al, 2022).…”

A review of telehealth during the COVID-19 emergency situation in the public health sector: challenges and opportunities

“…In support of the views expressed by Cox et al (2022) and Camhi et al (2020), Safdieh et al (2021) add that medical student training in the telehealth space have been on the rise in recent years. Yuce (2022) suggests that digital literacy, particularly searching for information has an indirect effect on eHealth literacy. Digital literacy skills are essential in ensuring that society is able to search for relevant health information effectively.…”

“…Yuce (2022) suggests that digital literacy, particularly searching for information has an indirect effect on eHealth literacy. Digital literacy skills are essential in ensuring that society is able to search for relevant health information effectively.…”