THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ E-HEALTH LITERACY AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLE BEHAVIORS

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the effects of university students’ e-health literacy on their healthy lifestyle behaviors. This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study. It was conducted with 1,714 students in a university in the east of Turkey during the 2018-2019 academic year. The data were collected using Lifestyle Behaviors Scale II in face-to-face interviews. The participants’ mean e-Health Literacy Scale score was 27.80±6.12, and their mean Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale II score was 125,74±19,09. These scores did not vary significantly by age, gender or residence. They did vary significantly by year of study and faculty. A positive significant relationship was found between the participants’ total e-Health Literacy Scale and Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale II scores. The participants’ mean e-Health Literacy Scale score was above the moderate level, and their mean Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale II score was at a moderate level. Higher mean e-health literacy correlated with higher mean healthy lifestyle behaviors.