Gender-Specific Determinants of eHealth Literacy: Results from an Adolescent Internet Behavior Survey in Taiwan

Chia-Shiang Cheng, Yi-Jen Huang, Chien-An Sun, Chi An, Yu-Tien Chang, Chi-Ming Chu and Chi-Wen Chang
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Chia-Shiang Cheng: Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114201, Taiwan
Yi-Jen Huang: School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114201, Taiwan
Chien-An Sun: Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242062, Taiwan
Chi An: School of Nursing, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 33302, Taiwan
Yu-Tien Chang: School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114201, Taiwan
Chi-Ming Chu: Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114201, Taiwan
Chi-Wen Chang: School of Nursing, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 33302, Taiwan

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 2, 1-11

Abstract: Adolescents’ Internet health information usage has rarely been investigated. Adolescents seek all kinds of information from the Internet, including health information, which affects their Health Literacy that eHealth Literacy (eHL). This study is a retrospective observational study, we have total of 500 questionnaires were distributed, 87% of which were recovered, and we explored the channels that adolescents use to search for health information, their ability to identify false information, and factors affecting the type and content of health information queried. Adolescents believe that the Internet is a good means to seek health information because of its instant accessibility, frequent updating, convenience, and lack of time limits. More boys use the Internet to seek health information than girls in junior high schools ( p = 0.009). The Internet is an important source of health information for adolescents but contains extensive misinformation that adolescents cannot identify. Additionally, adolescent boys and girls are interested in different health issues. Therefore, the government should implement measures to minimize misinformation on the Internet and create a healthy, educational online environment to promote Adolescents’ eHealth Literacy (eHL).

Keywords: gender health information; adolescent; internet; internet rumors; eHealth Literacy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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