INFLUENCES OF HEALTH INFORMATION ORIENTATION AND EHEALTH LITERACY ON OREAN ADOLESCENTS’ HEALTH PROMOTION BEHAVIORS

Abstract

Ponte Academic JournalDec 2017, Volume 73, Issue 12 INFLUENCES OF HEALTH INFORMATION ORIENTATION AND EHEALTH LITERACY ON OREAN ADOLESCENTS’ HEALTH PROMOTION BEHAVIORSAuthor(s): Kyoung Ja Kim ,Hyun Ji KimJ. Ponte - Dec 2017 - Volume 73 - Issue 12 doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2017.12.11 Abstract:BACKGROUND With the expansion of Internet use, the Internet usage rate of teenagers is very high�99.9% in South Korea�and more than half of them are searching for health-related information online. Adequate eHealth Literacy (eHL) and Health Information Orientation (HIO) are becoming more and more important. Thus, this study aimed to describe the influences of eHL and HIO on adolescents� health promotion behaviors.\r\nMETHODS A cross-sectional survey design was used. A structured questionnaire was administered to 161 adolescents aged 16 to 18 years in 3 high schools in South Korea, who participated in this study based on informed written consent.\r\nRESULTS The health promotion behaviors of adolescents were found to be significantly correlated with HIO and eHL. The results of hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that HIO, eHL, and subjective health status were predictors of health promotion behaviors of adolescents, after adjusting for general characteristics.\r\nCONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that HIO and eHL can be important factors in promoting adolescents� health behaviors. With these findings we can suggest proper education for adolescents should include enhancement of eHL and HIO. Therefore, educational programs should be developed to increase adolescents� interest in their own health and their actual eHL. Download full text:Check if you have access through your login credentials or your institution Username Password