Objectives This study investigated the association of smart device usage—particularly smartwatch use—online health information utilization, and subjective health status on health-promoting behaviors among university students in South Korea. As digital technologies are increasingly integrated into daily routines, an individual’s capacity to access and apply health information using mobile and wearable devices represents an important factor related to healthy behaviors. Methods An online survey was administered to university students in urban settings to evaluate the associations among smart device usage patterns, utilization of online health information, subjective health status, and health-promoting behaviors. Collected data were subjected to descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression to determine the key factors associated with of health-promoting behaviors. Results The study found that increased utilization of online health information and more favorable subjective health status correlated with greater participation in health-promoting behaviors. Furthermore, both the frequency and duration of health information searches on smartphones, together with the main smartwatch functions utilized, demonstrated significant associations with these behaviors. The results underscore that proactive use of digital health tools is associated with enhanced personal health management. Conclusions The findings of this study underscore the significance of advancing digital health literacy and fostering efficient utilization of wearable devices such as smartwatches in relation to self-care and healthy living among university students. This evidence may support the development of targeted digital health promotion initiatives and policies designed for the modern digital environment.
In-Kyoung Kim (Sun,) studied this question.