e-health literacy, health-seeking behaviors, and perceived ease of use of digital health systems in outpatients
OPEN MEDICINE, cilt.21, sa.1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 21 Sayı: 1
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1515/med-2026-1523
- Dergi Adı: OPEN MEDICINE
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE, Directory of Open Access Journals, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Pharma Collection (ProQuest)
- Gazi Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Objectives: This study examines the associations between e-health literacy, multidimensional health-seeking behaviors, and the perceived ease of use of e-health applications among individuals aged 18-43 years in Turkey. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 847 outpatients aged 18-43 years in Ankara, Turkey. Participants completed the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) and the Health-Seeking Behavior Scale (HSBS). Multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine predictors of health-seeking behavior and system usability. Results: Higher e-health literacy scores were significantly associated with both online and professional health-seeking behaviors (p<0.001), but not with traditional health-seeking behavior. Participants with higher e-health literacy were also more likely to perceive national e-health applications as easy to use (aOR=1.070, 95 % CI: 1.038-1.104). Gender and education level were significant sociodemographic predictors of professional health-seeking. Conclusions: E-health literacy may be associated with greater engagement with professional health services. The findings underscore the need for targeted e-health literacy interventions, even among digitally engaged younger populations, to promote equitable access to health services and reduce digital disparities.