The Relationship Between eHealth Literacy and Digital Literacy in University Students: The Case of Northern Cyprus

Objective: This study aims to identify the relationship between the levels of eHealth and digital literacy in university students.

Methods: This descriptive and correlational study was conducted on 469 students from non-health-related faculties in a university in Northern Cyprus during the spring semester of the 2020-2021 academic year. Descriptive information form, eHealth literacy scale, and digital literacy scale were used for data collection. Independent sample t-test, analysis of variance, Tukey, and Pearson’s test were used for data analysis.

Results: There was a positive and statistically significant correlation between the eHealth Literacy Scale and Digital Literacy Scale total and sub-dimensions scores (P < .05). The mean score obtained from the eHealth Literacy Scale was 28.22 ± 7.86 (min. 8, max. 40). On the other hand, the mean score obtained from the Digital Literacy Scale was 58.87 ± 15.15 (min 17, max. 85). The eHealth Literacy Scale and Digital Literacy Scale scores of male students were significantly higher than female participants (P < .05). The eHealth and digital literacy levels of the participants, who believed that the internet is a valuable source of health information, were significantly higher than the other participants (P < .05).

Conclusion: The levels of eHealth and digital literacy of the participants were relatively high. Finally, the level of digital literacy was positively correlated with the level of eHealth literacy.

Cite this article as: Burçaklı E, Kılıç HF. The relationship between eHealth literacy and digital literacy in university students: The case of Northern Cyprus. Arch Health Sci Res. 2023;10(2):81-86.