The relationship between the level of e-health literacy with health promotion behaviors and stress coping behaviors on rehabilitation sciences students

Background: This study aims to investigate the relationship between e-health literacy and health promotion behaviors and coping behaviors among students given the significant role of students in the transformation and modernization of the health system and the reliance of most human activities on the Internet. Material and Method: This descriptive-analytical study has been conducted on 130 rehabilitation sciences students in 2024 using a stratified random sampling method and regarding the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire, Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile II, e-HEALS, and Coping Strategies Questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software 29, independent samples t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient, one-way analysis of variance, and linear regression test. Results: There was a positive and significant correlation between e-health literacy with health promotion behavior (r = 0.340) and stress coping behavior (r = 0.371) (p ><0.001). The level of these three variables was estimated at an average level. There was no significant difference in educational degrees. There was no significant relationship between the amount of time spent on the Internet with e-health literacy ( P = 0.5 and r = -0.05) and coping behavior ( P = 0.09 and r = -0.1), but with health promotion behavior ( P = 0.02 r = -0.2), there was a weak inverse correlation. There was no significant relationship between gender with e-health literacy ( P = 0.232) and health promotion behavior ( P = 0.377), but coping behavior ( P = 0.001) was significantly higher in men. Conclusion: Considering the positive and significant relationship between e-health literacy and health-promoting and stress coping behaviors, it is recommended that educational administrators and health policymakers should strengthen electronic health resources as one of the resources used by students to promote health and adapt to stress.