Inequality Among Adolescents in the Developing Countries is the Main Determinant of E-Health Literacy

Abstract

Purpose: In this study, it was aimed to find out the e-health literacy levels in the adolescent age group, and its relation to adolescent decision making as well as social and economic determinants of the adolescents and their families. Materials and Methods: The participants were 14–18 years old from 9-12 grades of the high schools at the different socioeconomic settlements in Turkey. The data was collected using a data collection form consisting of questions related to the adolescents and the socio-demographic characteristics of their parents, Adolescent Decision Making Scale and E-Health Literacy Scale for Adolescents. Data was collected from 1,082 adolescents aged 14 to 18 years. Results: The e-health literacy level increases with the age of the adolescents, the monthly income of the family, adolescent decision making scores. Economic status and age of the adolescents are the main factors to form their e-health literacy. Conclusion: There is an urgent need to improve e-health literacy education aiming to teach to adolescents how to find reliable health information and make appropriate decisions to prevent their own health. The e-health information literacy and services should be provided to the adolescents in low socioeconomic status as social policies of the governments in the developing countries.