Beyond the screen: E-health literacy steers young adults to professional health care

A new study published in the journal Open Medicine reveals that improved electronic health (e-health) literacy among young adults not only leads them to seek professional medical care but also makes them more likely to navigate digital health platforms with ease. Conducted at Gazi University Hospital in Ankara, Turkey, the research surveyed 847 adult outpatients aged 18-43 and utilized the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) to measure proficiency levels.

Contrary to the prevailing belief that e-health-literate patients solely rely on self-diagnosis and self-treatment, the study found that higher e-health literacy was associated with increased online research, professional consultations, and greater satisfaction with digital health systems like Turkey's Central Physician Appointment System (MHRS) and Personal Health Record System (e-Nabız).

The findings challenge the conventional assumption that e-health literacy promotes self-treatment, instead showing that such patients tend to use the internet to prepare for and seek out professional care. Moreover, these patients found government digital health apps to be more user-friendly. However, the study did not find a correlation between e-health literacy and traditional health practices like seeking home remedies or advice from friends and family, which remain significantly influenced by social bonds and cultural traditions.

The researchers also noted that demographic factors play a role in shaping patient choices. Women used both digital and professional health channels more frequently than men, while higher educational attainment was linked to more visits to medical professionals. Conversely, parents were more likely to rely on home remedies and personal networks before turning to e-health sources, and individuals with poorer health were more likely to face difficulties navigating online health portals, thus exacerbating digital disparities.

The study's authors emphasize the necessity for targeted e-health literacy interventions to ensure equitable access to healthcare services and minimize digital divides, even within digitally engaged younger populations.