Influence of digital health literacy on online health-related behaviors influenced by internet advertising.

Bibliographic Details
Title: Influence of digital health literacy on online health-related behaviors influenced by internet advertising.
Authors: de Oliveira Collet, Giulia, de Morais Ferreira, Fernanda, Ceron, Daniela Fernandes, de Lourdes Calvo Fracasso, Marina, Santin, Gabriela Cristina
Source: BMC Public Health; 7/20/2024, Vol. 24 Issue 1, p1-8, 8p
Subject Terms: SOCIAL media, HEALTH literacy, DIGITAL literacy, INTERNET advertising, DIGITAL health
Abstract: Background: The frequency of health-related information seeking on the internet and social media platforms has increased remarkably. Thus, the ability to understand and select accurate health-related information online, known as EHealth literacy, is crucial for the population. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate how eHealth literacy influences the critical analysis of oral health-related information obtained from the Internet and its influence on oral health-related behaviors. Methods: A cross-sectional online study was conducted with 418 Brazilian adults who responded to the eHEALS questionnaire, with questions regarding the influence of online information on oral health decisions. Socioeconomic and demographic characteristics were also collected. Results: The mean eHEALS score was 27.85 (± 8.13), with a range spanning from 8 to 40 points. Participants with higher eHEALS scores reported using social media platforms to seek for dentists and to acque information about symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments. Furthermore, this group tended not to disregard professional health recommendations based on Internet information and abstained from utilizing products promoted by digital influencers. In multivariate models, increased eHEALS scores were associated with reduced consumption of products endorsed by digital influencers. Conclusions: The findings from this study suggest that individuals with higher scores on the eHealth literacy questionnaire often conduct research on their health status and seek for health care providers on the Internet. Moreover, these individuals were less likely to be influenced by digital influencers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Complementary Index
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More Details
ISSN:14712458
DOI:10.1186/s12889-024-19506-6
Published in:BMC Public Health
Language:English