Examining the Impact of Adolescents' Metaverse Perception on E-health Literacy and Perceptions of Healthy Living

Abstract

Objective: This study investigates the potential impact of metaverse perception among adolescents aged 15-19 living in [REDACTED FOR PEER REVIEW] on their e-health literacy and beliefs in healthy lifestyle practices.Method: The research, a cross-sectional and correlational design, was conducted with a total of 304 adolescents between April 25, 2023, and May 30, 2023. Data collection tools included a socio-demographic information form, the Adolescent Healthy Lifestyle Beliefs Scale, the E-Health Literacy Scale, and the Metaverse Scale. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 statistical software.Findings: 70.4% of the adolescents participating in the study are female, 74.7% belong to the middle-income group, and 39.8% are university students. Regarding parental education level, 54.6% of the participants' mothers and 42.4% of their fathers have completed primary education. The average age of the adolescents is 17.36, and the average number of siblings is 4.90. A significant relationship was found between the Healthy Lifestyle Beliefs Scale and the Metaverse Scale, with e-health literacy playing a mediating role in this relationship.Conclusion: The findings reveal that the perception of the metaverse has a significant impact on adolescents' beliefs about healthy lifestyles and their e-health literacy. Further comprehensive research is needed to explore the nature of this relationship and its potential applications.