The Relationship of E-health Literacy with Cyberchondria: A Cross-Sectional Study on Pregnant Women

Background and Objectives: Health literacy and cyberchondriaare effective for pregnant women to make the right health decisions for themselves and their babies. The purpose of this study is to investigate the correlation between e-health literacy, cyberchondria, and the factors influencing them in pregnant women. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted on a population of pregnant women who were admitted to two public hospitals located in Samsun. A questionnaire form consisting of 3 sections was used as a data collection tool in the study. Pregnancy information form, e-health literacy scale and cyberchondria scale. The study involved analysing 400 questionnaire forms. Data were analyzed by the frequency test, One Way ANOVA, correlation analysis and multiple regression. Results: The study participants had a mean age of 28.53 +/- 6.53. Among them, 60.3% were aged 19-29, 37.3% had an associate degree, 45.3% were pregnant for the first time, and 38.3% were in their second trimester. The mean pregnancy was 1.81 +/- 10.63. In the study group, the mean e-health literacy was 3.27 +/- 0.99, and the mean cyberchondria was 30.29 +/- 9.78. The study found a statistically significant difference in e-health literacy and cyberchondria based on age, educational status, gestational week, and number of pregnancies. Additionally, there was a statistically significant positive relationship between health literacy and cyberchondria severity. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that the level of e-health literacy and cyberchondria of pregnant women was moderate, and that e-health literacy, age and education level would affect cyberchondria. Therefore, this problem can be prevented by providing digital health practices, e-health literacy and safe internet use training to pregnant women in health institutions and the media.