Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
İzmir Katip Çelebi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi, cilt.8, sa.1, ss.53-59, 2023 (Hakemli Dergi)
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive effect of the e-Health
literacy level of individuals on attitudes towards protection from COVID-19 and the level
of fear during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Material and Method: The population of this cross-sectional study included individuals
who could be reached through social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp)
and e-mail between July and October 2020, and the sample of the study consisted of
522 literate individuals who had internet access and agreed to participate in the study.
Data were collected using the personal identification form, the e-Health Literacy Scale
(eHEALS), and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S). Statistical analyses were performed
using Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Posthoc analysis, Binary Logistic
Regression analysis, and Simple Regression Analysis.
Results: 53.4% of the participants are women, 89.5% are university graduates, 60.3%
are working in a job. The e-health literacy scores of those who follow the current
information to prevent COVID-19 infection, wash their hands, use disinfectants, and stay
2 meters away from people compared to others, and those who act in accordance with
the recommendations of the experts, were statistically significantly higher than those
who behaved in line with the bans. Presence of chronic disease among family members,
young age and high level of health literacy are predictive factors of COVID-19 fear.
Conclusion: The results of this study have shown that the level of fear of COVID-19
increases as the e-Health literacy level increases. As the e-Health literacy score of
individuals increases, the rate of apply the preventive measures against COVID-19 also
increases.