Examination of Adolescents' E-Health Literacy Levels in Terms of Internet Usage and Some Variables Related to Covid-19

Abstract

Objective: E-Health literacy is important for obtaining accurate health information, promote and encourge health. The aim of this study is to examine of adolescents their internet usage habits, Covid-19 infection status, Covid-19 vaccination status and their views on the Covid-19 vaccine in terms of the e-health literacy levels. Methods: This cross-sectional design study was carried out among to 442 students in a high school in the 2021-2022 academic year. The independent variable of this study is the e-health literacy level of adolescents, the dependent variables are their internet usage habits, Covid-19 infection status, Covid-19 vaccination status and their some views on the Covid-19 vaccine. Results: It was determined that there was a statistically significant difference in the e-Health Literacy Scale mean scores of those who thought that internet use was important and useful in making health-related decisions (respectively 15.630 /0.000; 2,656 / 0.030). There was no statistically significant difference between having had a Covid-19 infection, being vaccinated against Covid-19, and e-Health literacy score averages (respectively 0.534/0.594; 1.032/0.302). Conclusion: According to the research results, we recommend that awareness studies be carried out to increase the e-Health literacy level of the young population and to use digital media efficiently to correct incorrect health information.