The Impact of Digital Health Literacy on Dietary Choices in Chronic Disease Patients

Background: Health literacy and nutrition are crucial for managing diseases and protecting the health of individuals with chronic conditions. Aim: This study aimed to determine the digital healthy diet literacy and health literacy of individuals with chronic diseases in a city center in eastern Türkiye. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted with 451 volunteer participants living in a city center in eastern Türkiye between July and December 2022. Data were collected through face-to-face surveys using “Descriptive Characteristics Form,” “Health Literacy Instrument-Short Form,” and “Digital Healthy Diet Literacy Instrument.” Data were analyzed using number, percentage, and mean, t-test for independent groups, Kruskal-Wallis test, and correlation analysis. Results: The mean age of the participants was 39.28 ± 13.61 years, and 54.3% were female. The mean score for the Health Literacy Instrument-Short Form was 28.36 ± 6.05, and the mean score for the Digital Healthy Diet Literacy Instrument score was 26.11 ± 11.51. A negative, statistically significant, weak relationship was found between the participants’ ages and the mean scores for the Health Literacy Instrument-Short Form and Digital Healthy Diet Literacy Instrument. Additionally, a weak positive and statistically significant relationship was observed between the Health Literacy Instrument-Short Form and Digital Healthy Diet Literacy Instrument (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The health literacy and digital healthy diet literacy levels of individuals with chronic diseases were found to be at a medium level, with a positive relationship between health literacy and digital healthy diet literacy levels.