Determinant Factors Impact of E-Health Literacy on the Quality of Life of Students During the Covid-19

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Student Research Committee, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.

2 Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.

3 Health Information Technology Department, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.

4 Deputy of research and technology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.

5 Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.

Abstract

Background and Objectives: University students’ quality of life (QoL) impacts on their quality of learning, academic achievement and knowledge. An increased risk of deterioration in QoL was happened during the COVID-19 pandemic for university students. The focus of this study is on the impact of university students’ electronic health literacy on their QoL and its determinants during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Materials and Methods: This cross- sectional study was conducted by two valid and reliable questionnaires on 260 health students at Semnan University of Medical Sciences in Iran in 2021. E-Health Literacy Scale and World Health Organization QoL questionnaire were used. The link of the online questionnaire was sent to the students. A reminder message was sent to the users, if the online questionnaire was not completed and answered within a specified time. Multiple logistic model regression analysis was used. 

Results: About 84.2% of students had sufficient e-Health literacy and 76.4% had a good QoL. The students’ e-Health literacy had a significant relationship with English language skills (P = 0.30, OR = 1.929), Internet skills (P = 0.008, OR = 1.740), start searching for health information on the Internet (P <0.001, OR = 4.840) and information search method in Internet (P = 0.007, OR = 1.650). There was a significant relationship between students' e-Health literacy and their QoL (P <0.001, OR = 3.466).

Conclusion: Present study shows indicators that encourage university students to involve in electronic health tools and to improve their QoL during the COVID-19 pandemic. These indicators are worth and should be considered when developing medical education, self-management programs and formulating interventions. 

Keywords

Acknowledgments:  This study was financially supported by Semnan University of Medical Sciences (Ref. No 1738). We would also like to express our thanks to the Clinical Research and Development Unit of Kowsar and Amiralmomenin Educational, Research, and Therapeutic Center of Semnan University of Medical Sciences. 


Conflict of Interest: There is no conflict of interest to be declared


Ethical consideration: Ethics approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of Semnan University of Medical Sciences (IR.SEMUMS.REC.1399.014). A cover letter was submitted along with the online questionnaire, which described the objectives of the study and the participants’ consent to participate in the research. The confidentiality of participants’ responses was also assured. 


Funding: No financial support was received for this study.


Authors' contributions: All authors contributed to this project and article equally. All authors read and approved the final manuscript

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Journal of Health Literacy
Volume 7, Issue 4 - Serial Number 28
January 2023
Pages 93-105

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