Assessing the Mediating Role of Information Technology in Promoting Healthy Behaviors among Children in China

Abstract

Objectives: In the past few years, continuous advancements in information technology have also encouraged different people to utilize online media to promote eHealth literacy. This approach is also considered effective in improving the health behaviors among the associated individuals, leading to improved quality of life. Methods: Thus, this study also aims to assess the mediating role of information technology in promoting health behaviors among children in China. For this purpose, the mediation of information technology (eHealth literacy) was observed in association between quality of life (QoL) and promotion of healthy behaviors. Within this context health promoting lifestyle (HPL) among the individuals was also considered. For this research, a cross-sectional survey was carried out among 2,290 children (ages 10 to > 16 years) in China. For this survey, the basic characteristics of the participants, including their age, education level, family income, gender, and residence, were determined to measure their eHealth literacy and HPL. For this study, regression analysis was conducted for determining the association between the variables. Results: The results obtained from model 1 shows that eHealth literacy significantly impact health- promoting behaviors (p < 0.05). The results obtained from model 2 also showed that health-promoting behaviours and eHealth literacy were significantly associated with quality of life (p < 0.05). Moreover, the value of indirect effect of healthy behaviors promotion was found to be 0.124 in association between quality of life and eHealth literacy/ information technology (CI= 95%), whereas, the total mediating impact of information technology, contributed 40.5% to the total effect. Conclusion: In conclusion, information technology (eHealth literacy) significantly mediates the association between HPL and QoL. Thus, the current research has been effective in presenting important implications for the promotion of eHealth literacy.