Predictors of eHealth literacy in pregnant women: A structural equation model analysis

Abstract

Objective To develop and evaluate a theoretical model to explain the relationships between eHealth literacy and perception of health, and perception of pregnancy risk in pregnant women. Method This cross‐sectional study was carried out with 238 pregnant women in one of the hospitals in Turkey between March 15, 2021 and May 15, 2021. Data were collected using an Information Form, eHealth Literacy Scale, Perception of Health Scale, and Perception of Pregnancy Risk Questionnaire. Results The mean scores of the pregnant women participating in the study on eHealth literacy and perception of health were 30.45 ± 6.56 and 51.42 ± 6.91, respectively and their mean score on perception of pregnancy risk was 42.6 ± 29.38. The direct effect of the eHealth Literacy Scale on the “Risk for Baby” subscale of the Perception of Pregnancy Risk Questionnaire was insignificant whereas the scale's effect became significant with the Perception of Health Scale (β = −0.006; 0.057). Conclusion To reduce the perception of risk in pregnant women, it is important to improve not only their eHealth literacy but also their knowledge and attitudes about being healthy.

Health Anxiety and eHealth Literacy as Predictors of Cyberchondria in Women

“…In summary, previous studies have emphasized that the Internet is an enormous and widespread source of health and medical information and that women participate in health-related online activities more than men (6,18). Repeatedly searching for health information on the Internet and not evaluating the information obtained with a critical approach may increase health anxiety and cyberchondria severity.…”

“…), and interact with health professionals or services via social media (3)(4)(5). It is emphasized that studies on gender-specific differences in the use of digital health technologies are limited, and the existing literature indicates that women conduct more internet searches for health-related information than men (5)(6)(7)(8)(9). In addition, information sites, online discussion groups, forums, etc., on health and medical topics are often addressed to or created by women, often focussing on women-specific diseases (female cancers) (7,10) pregnancy (11) and parenthood (9).…”

“…Access to online health information has potential benefits in educating women about the nature, causes, prevention, and treatment of certain health conditions (2,3,6,9,12). However, uncontrolled online sharing of all kinds of true or false information (8) may cause exposure to confusing, unreliable, contradictory information and increase health anxiety (3).…”

“…eHealth literacy is the ability to search, find, understand, and evaluate health information from digital sources to identify or solve a health-related problem (15). eHealth literacy is known to play a mediating role in improving individuals' health management, controlling and preventing diseases, facilitating the identification of symptoms and treatment options, and simplifying communication between health professionals and patients (6,12,16).…”

“…The irregular, low-quality, incomplete, or inaccurate health information exposed to by women with low eHealth literacy in online environments may cause increased health anxiety associated with excessive or repeated online searches (6). This phenomenon, termed "cyberchondria, " is characterized by frequent and repetitive medical information seeking online and is associated with the exacerbation of anxious thoughts and feelings about health (17).…”