eHealth Literacy Research Articles

Protocol for the co-design of an online support service for adults with hearing loss.

Untreated hearing loss is reported to negatively impact on an individual's quality of life, affecting their psychological and physical health and placing them at greater risk of developing dementia. Despite this, hearing loss management is often delayed by up to a decade. This is likely due to difficulties in navigating the hearing care pathway, and the absence of a central, unbiased reference point for consumer-friendly hearing health information and resources. We intend to co-design an online support service for adults with hearing loss with the following aims: 1) to understand unmet needs and consumer barriers to accessing hearing health information, 2) to identify solutions to these unmet needs that can be developed into prototype ideas, 3) to incrementally build on iterations of a prototype until a usable online support service is developed and ready for real-life testing with end-users, and 4) to test and evaluate the usability, accessibility, and effectiveness of the prototype from the consumer's perspective, so that the prototype can be refined into the final product. This will be a mixed method study. Consumers will be involved in all stages of the design of the project following the Hasso Plattner model of design thinking. The qualitative component will involve sprints and semi-structured interviews to access the consumer perspective and understand unmet needs and challenges regarding the access of online hearing health information. For the quantitative component, an online survey will be administered prior to prototype testing as part of the remote usability study to collect self-efficacy and eHealth literacy outcome measures via validated questionnaires. Data collection will also be performed post-prototype testing for evaluation purposes. Finally, heuristic evaluation of the prototype will be conducted by an eLearning expert to help refine the prototype into the final product.

Nomophobia and eHealth literacy among adolescents: A cross-sectional study

PurposeThis study was conducted to determine adolescents' nomophobia behaviors, eHealth literacy levels, and their predictive factors. Design and methodsA cross-sectional design was used. The population consisted of ninth, 10th, and 11th-grade adolescents (aged 14–17) in a high school in Turkiye (N = 1013). The study was completed with 719 voluntary adolescents. A questionnaire, the eHealth Literacy Scale, and the Nomophobia Questionnaire were used to collect data. Multiple linear regression was run for data analysis. ResultsOf the adolescents, 44.9% were found to have moderate, and 14.8% had severe nomophobia behaviors. Adolescents who were girls, the ninth and 10th graders, who used smartphone two hours or more daily, social media users, who watched videos on the smartphone and surfed on the Internet had higher nomophobia behaviors. Adolescents who were boys, who searched for health information online, found health information on the Internet helpful, and found accessing health resources on the Internet important had higher eHealth literacy levels. ConclusionAdolescents should be educated about rational smartphone and Internet usage to comprehend the accuracy of health-related information. Practice implicationsSchool nurses could design activities to increase eHealth literacy to encourage adolescents. Nurses could help proactively prepare nomophobia severity map and an eHealth literacy enhancement curriculum for adolescents to form functional preventive interventions. Nurse leaders can contribute to developing policies and strategies to prevent nomophobia behaviors among adolescents.

Examination of Adolescents' E-Health Literacy Levels in Terms of Internet Usage and Some Variables Related to Covid-19

Objective: E-Health literacy is important for obtaining accurate health information, promote and encourge health. The aim of this study is to examine of adolescents their internet usage habits, Covid-19 infection status, Covid-19 vaccination status and their views on the Covid-19 vaccine in terms of the e-health literacy levels.
 Methods: This cross-sectional design study was carried out among to 442 students in a high school in the 2021-2022 academic year. The independent variable of this study is the e-health literacy level of adolescents, the dependent variables are their internet usage habits, Covid-19 infection status, Covid-19 vaccination status and their some views on the Covid-19 vaccine.
 Results: It was determined that there was a statistically significant difference in the e-Health Literacy Scale mean scores of those who thought that internet use was important and useful in making health-related decisions (respectively 15.630 /0.000; 2,656 / 0.030). There was no statistically significant difference between having had a Covid-19 infection, being vaccinated against Covid-19, and e-Health literacy score averages (respectively 0.534/0.594; 1.032/0.302).
 Conclusion: According to the research results, we recommend that awareness studies be carried out to increase the e-Health literacy level of the young population and to use digital media efficiently to correct incorrect health information.

EFFECTS OF E-HEALTH LITERACY ON RATIONAL DRUG USE: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF HEALTH PERCEPTION

Rational drug use can make important contributions to the treatment of diseases. Many factors affect rational drug use. This research was undertaken with the aim of defining the mediating role of health perception (HP) in the effect of e-health literacy (eHL) on rational drug use (RDU). The research presented here was performed between March 11 and April 29, 2023, in the Istanbul and Kocaeli provinces and their districts in Türkiye. Data were collected from individuals residing in Istanbul and Kocaeli provinces or in their districts aged 18 and over by online survey method. A total of 520 questionnaires were collected in this process. The findings revealed that eHL positively affects HP. Moreover, eHL and HP positively affect RDU. Finally, it was determined that HP has a mediating role in the effect of eHL on RDU. The research presented here has confirmed that eHL and HP are determinants of RDU. According to these results, some suggestions are presented.

The eHealth literacy scale (eHEALS): is it suitable for health education nursing officers in Sri Lanka?

The eHealth literacy scale (eHEALS): is it suitable for health education nursing officers in Sri Lanka?

Social Support, eHealth Literacy, and mHealth Use in Older Adults With Diabetes: Moderated Mediating Effect of the Perceived Importance of App Design.

Mobile healthcare has emerged as a prominent technological solution for self-management of health. However, the development and utilization of tailored mobile healthcare applications for older adults with diabetes mellitus remain limited. This study examined the relationship between social support and mobile healthcare use and further explored how this relationship varies with eHealth literacy and application design among older adults with diabetes mellitus. A descriptive cross-sectional trial was conducted with a structured self-report questionnaire, surveying 252 South Korean older adults with diabetes mellitus via offline and online modes. The mediating effect and moderated mediating effect were analyzed with the PROCESS macro of SPSS. eHealth literacy mediated the relationship between social support and mobile healthcare use. High levels of eHealth literacy and social support may increase mobile healthcare use among older adults with diabetes. Application design aesthetics facilitated mobile healthcare use. Future researchers, healthcare providers, and developers can contribute to the development of tailored mobile healthcare applications for older adults with diabetes mellitus by considering application design aspects such as font size, color, and menu configuration.

Construct Validity and Measurement Invariance of the eHEALS in a Diverse US High School Sample

Abstract: Although the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) is a widely used measure of eHealth literacy (eHL), it has not been validated in a diverse sample of US adolescents. This study assessed the construct validity and item and measurement invariance of the eHEALS using both Rasch analyses and classical test theory (CTT). Data were collected from adolescents at a US Northeastern high school ( N = 355, 64.9% were 16–18-years old, 54.8% male, 76.4% from a racially minoritized group, and 50.5% Latinx). Adolescents completed a survey that included demographic variables (i.e., age in years, gender, and ethnicity) and the eHEALS. Using Rasch and CTT methodologies, the dimensionality of the eHEALS and item and measurement invariance across gender, age, and ethnicity were assessed. The unidimensional structure of the eHEALS as well as item and measurement invariance across gender, age, and ethnicity were supported. Rasch analyses also suggested that responses to eHEALS items can be summed to determine eHL abilities, although there was a ceiling effect. The eHEALS is a unidimensional measure of eHL that may provide information in health education settings about adolescents’ eHL skills. It performs similarly across male and female as well as older and younger adolescents. However, given the ceiling effect and changes in adolescents’ Internet use since its development, future studies should revise the eHEALS to better capture adolescents’ eHL abilities. Future studies should also examine item and measurement invariance by age (in years), race, family income, and longitudinally to determine the usefulness of the measure across groups and time.

CHALLENGES OF E-INTERVENTION RESEARCH: LESSONS FROM THE ISUPPORT FOR DEMENTIA-PT FEASIBILITY STUDIES

Abstract E-interventions have become popular in delivering healthcare services, offering benefits such as increased accessibility and scalability. However, they also present ethical, technological, and research-related challenges. This poster aims to identify challenges of e-intervention research by analyzing feasibility studies of “iSupport for Dementia-PT”, an online training and support program for informal dementia caregivers (IDC) culturally adapted to Portugal from the original version by the Word Health Organization. A mixed-methods study collected data on user satisfaction and requirements for the program’s contents and interface through focus groups and usability test sessions with IDC (N=17) and health/social support professionals (N=13). A subsequent pilot study followed a mixed-methods experimental parallel between-group design with two arms (iSupport, N=21 and e-book, N=21). Ethical challenges unearthed by both studies included data privacy, e-consent reliability, equity in accessing e-health interventions, and e-health literacy. Challenging methodological decisions for an RCT protocol included defining criteria for a per protocol analysis in the context of a self-help e-intervention, timing for post-test or follow-up assessments, managing attrition, and the implications of resorting to online outcome measurements. The feasibility studies suggest that iSupport for Dementia-PT is a promising resource to support informal dementia caregivers. However, innovation is required in e-intervention research as replicating conventional procedures and methods have shown to be inadequate. Guidelines are needed on how to address the ethical, technological, and research-related challenges in e-intervention research.

U.S. REMOTE CANCER CARE FOR OLDER ADULTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND SOCIAL NETWORK ANALYSIS

Abstract Telemedicine and telehealth services are a promising solution for older cancer patients who are susceptible to infectious diseases, like COVID-19, and travel a longer distance to their closest hospital. To provide all-inclusive oncology care, understanding social disparities in access to remote cancer care is crucial. Yet, little is known about the accessibility of these technologies among US cancer patients in later life. The present study aimed to evaluate the main sociocultural factors associated with older patients of virtual oncology care interventions in the US. This systematic review explored the literature on telemedicine for geriatric oncology and patients’ accessibility to remote health technologies. PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched. Using Bibliometrix, Science of Science (Sci2) Tool, and Gephi, Social Network Analysis (SNA) was conducted to identify the central and intermediate factors linked to remote cancer care for older US adults. Among 427 retrieved articles, 19 articles, published between 2003 and 2023, met the eligibility criteria. The selected studies were focused on rural cancer patients (20%) and telehealth during COVID-19 outbreaks (20%), followed by lifestyle interventions (15%), ehealth literacy (10%), prostate or breast cancer (5%), older sexual minority men with prostate cancer (5%), and patients’ race, age, and region (5%). Findings also highlighted that gender, digital health literacy (technology readiness), and location are the key determinants of telemedicine access and use among older US cancer patients. Multiple socio-demographic aspects of older patients need to be considered for implementing equitable access to remote oncology care.

EVERYDAY DIGITAL LITERACY QUESTIONNAIRE (EDLQ): DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION FOR KOREAN OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Aging in the digitalizing society demands digital literacy, a core competency that involves identifying, evaluating, and communicating information using various digital devices or relevant programs. This study aimed to develop the Everyday Digital Literacy Questionnaire [EDLQ], a scale to assess digital literacy, and to evaluate its psychometric properties among community-dwelling older adults in South Korea. The EDLQ was developed using an instrument development design. A nationwide survey was conducted in 1,016 community-dwelling older adults aged 60 to 94 years. To evaluate psychometric properties, following analyses were conducted in two randomly selected subsamples (n=508 per each): internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha), construct validity (exploratory factor analysis [EFA] and confirmatory factor analysis [CFA]), and concurrent validity with the eHealth Literacy Scale (e-HEALS). Among initial 30 items of the EDLQ, 22 items with a 3-factor solution showed 77% of explained variance in total. The subscales includes “Information and Communication” (9 items), “Contents Creation and Management” (4 items) and “Safety and Security” (9 items). CFA was conducted with this 3-factor solution (χ²/df=1.675, CFI=0.997, TLI=0.997, RMSEA=0.036, SRMR=0.050, CR=0.903-0.959, AVE=0.699−0.724, r²=0.616−0.773). Concurrent validity with the e-HEALS demonstrated a strong correlation (r=0.75). The Cronbach’s α coefficient was .98. Our study findings suggest psychometric properties of the 22-item EDLQ is valid and reliable to assess digital literacy for everyday technology use in Korean older adults. The EDLQ will be useful while developing technology-based interventions for community-dwelling older adults.

Health and e-Health Literacy of Diabetic Patients in Low-Income Countries: a perspective from Guinea and Burkina Faso (Preprint)

Health and e-Health Literacy of Diabetic Patients in Low-Income Countries: a perspective from Guinea and Burkina Faso (Preprint)

Correction to: eHealth literacy, internet and eHealth service usage: a survey among a German municipality

Correction to: eHealth literacy, internet and eHealth service usage: a survey among a German municipality

Structural Validation and Measurement Invariance Testing of the Chinese Version of the eHealth Literacy Scale Among Undergraduates: Cross-Sectional Study.

The eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) was introduced in China in 2013 as one of the most important electronic health literacy measurement instruments. After a decade of development in China, it has received widespread attention, although its theoretical underpinnings have been challenged, thus demanding more robust research evidence of factorial validity and multigroup measurement properties. This study aimed to evaluate the Chinese version of the eHEALS in terms of its measurement properties. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a university setting in China. Item statistics were checked for response distributions and floor and ceiling effects. Internal consistency reliability was confirmed with Cronbach α, split-half reliability, Cronbach α if an item was deleted, and item-total correlation. A total of 5 representative eHEALS factor structures were examined and contrasted using confirmatory factor analysis. The study used the item-level content validity index (I-CVI) and the average of the I-CVI scores of all items on the scale to assess the content validity of the dominance model. Furthermore, the validated dominance model was subsequently used to evaluate the relevance and representation of elements in the instrument and to assess measurement invariance across genders. A total of 972 respondents were identified, with a Cronbach α of .92, split-half reliability of 0.88, and item-total score correlation coefficients ranging from 0.715 to 0.781. Cronbach α if an item was deleted showed that all items should be retained. Acceptable content validity was supported by I-CVIs ≥0.80. The confirmatory factor analysis confirmed that the 3-factor model was acceptable. The measurement model met all relevant fit indices: average variance extracted from 0.663 to 0.680, composite reliability from 0.810 to 0.857, chi-square divided by the df of 4.768, root mean square error of approximation of 0.062, standardized root mean squared residual of 0.020, comparative fit index (CFI) of 0.987, and Tucker-Lewis index of 0.979. In addition, the scale demonstrated error variance invariance (Δnormed fit index=-0.016, Δincremental fit index=-0.012, ΔTucker-Lewis index=0.005, Δcomparative fit index=-0.012, Δrelative fit index=0.005, and Δroot mean square error of approximation=0.005). A 3-factor model of the Chinese version of the eHEALS fits best, and our findings provide evidence for the strict measurement invariance of the instrument regarding gender.

The Effect of Mobile eHealth Education to Improve Knowledge, Skills, Self-Care, and Mobile eHealth Literacies Among Patients With Diabetes: Development and Evaluation Study.

The promotion of mobile health (mHealth) and eHealth technologies as tools for managing chronic diseases, particularly diabetes mellitus, is on the rise. Nevertheless, individuals with diabetes frequently face a literacy gap that hinders their ability to fully leverage the benefits offered by these resources. Enhancing technology literacy to facilitate the adoption of mobile eHealth services poses a significant challenge in numerous countries. This study aims to develop an educational mobile eHealth literacy (eHL) program for patients with diabetes and to evaluate its effect on patients' outcomes. This study designed a mobile eHL education program comprising 2 modules specifically tailored for individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). These modules focused on guiding participants through the process of effectively navigating reliable health websites and utilizing diabetes-related apps. Using a pre- and posttest experimental design, the study featured an intervention group and a control group. Participants were recruited from 3 outpatient departments in hospitals, and assessments were conducted both before and after the intervention, along with a follow-up measure at the 3-month mark. The evaluation encompassed sociodemographic characteristics, computer and internet proficiency, mobile app usage, mobile eHL, and patient outcomes such as self-care behaviors and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. The analysis included a total of 132 eligible participants. Significant differences were observed in the mean scores of knowledge (P<.001) and skills (P<.001) related to computers, the web, and mobile devices at the initiation of the study and after the intervention. During the 3-month follow-up, the findings indicated a significant improvement in mobile eHL (t114=3.391, P=.001) and mHealth literacy (mHL, a subconcept of mobile eHL; t114=3.801, P<.001) within the intervention group, whereas no such improvement was observed in the control group. The chi-square values from the McNemar test underscored that individuals with uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c≥7%) in the intervention group exhibited more improvement compared with the control group. The generalized estimating equations model unveiled a significant difference in the change of general mHL in the intervention group (β=1.91, P=.047) and self-care behavior in the control group from T0 to T2 (β=-8.21, P=.015). Despite being small, the effect sizes for mobile eHL (d=0.49) and HbA1c (d=0.33) in the intervention group were greater than those in the control group (d=0.14 and d=0.16, respectively). The implementation of a mobile eHL education intervention demonstrates a positive influence on the familiarity of patients with T2D regarding health technology, leading to favorable glycemic outcomes. While additional studies are warranted for a more comprehensive understanding, this program emerges as a promising solution for enhancing patients' uptake of digital health technology.

Associations of eHealth literacy and knowledge with preventive behaviours and psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic: a population-based online survey

ObjectivesTo compare the associations of COVID-19 preventive behaviours and depressive and anxiety symptoms with eHealth literacy and COVID-19 knowledge among Korean adults.DesignA cross-sectional online survey was conducted in April 2020.SettingSeoul...

Assessing the e-health literacy level and its predictors in heart patients: A Case Study in a Heart Hospital Center in Iran.

eHealth literacy has many benefits for patients and community members, including the direct impact on improving the quality of patient education and reducing direct and indirect healthcare costs. Benefiting from eHealth literacy in patients with cardiovascular diseases can effectively provide healthcare services and manage these patients. This study aimed to evaluate eHealth literacy level and its factors affecting patients with cardiovascular diseases in a Heart Center Hospital. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022. A valid and reliable questionnaire has been used for data gathering. From 147 distributed questionnaires among patients with cardiovascular diseases at Madani Heart Center Hospital in Khorramabad city, finally, 86 questionnaires have been collected completely. Data analyses were done using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 22 descriptive and analytical tests such as one-way ANOVA, independent sample t-test, and Spearman correlation coefficient based on the study objectives. The study showed that heart patients' eHealth literacy status is moderate (3.38 out of 5). The awareness of the availability of resources on the Internet had the highest score (3.79). The importance of using the Internet to obtain health information (r = 0.62, P < 0.001) and the ability to use the Internet (r = 0.62, P < 0.001) had the most significant relationship with eHealth literacy among patients with cardiovascular diseases. It is suggested that by increasing the level of Internet skills, expanding the use of the Internet for health-related services, using the Internet to make accurate health decisions among patients, extending the use of the Internet to access health resources, and reducing the patient's level of concern about their health status to improve the level of eHealth literacy of cardiovascular patients.

Communicating about online health information with patients: Exploring determinants among telemental health providers.

To investigate determinants of telemental health (TMH) providers' openness to discuss and confidence to use online mental health information with patients, focusing on providers' eHealth literacy and perceived usefulness of online MH information. TMH providers (N=472) completed a web-based survey with questions about discussing and using online health information with patients, perceived usefulness of the Internet as a source of patient information, and eHealth literacy. Providers were open to discussing online health information with patients if they were not treating substance abuse disorders (b=-0.83), felt the Internet was a useful resource (b=0.18), and felt confident in their skills to evaluate the online information (b=0.21). Providers were confident using online health information if they worked in a small clinic (b=0.37), felt the Internet was a useful resource (b=0.31), knew where to access relevant online health information (b=0.13), and had skills to help their patients find (b=0.17) and evaluate (b=0.54) online information. TMH providers are likely to use online health information resources if they know where and how to find them and perceive the Internet as a useful resource. To effectively discuss online health information with patients, providers require skills to evaluate the information with patients.

Exploring acceptance of monitoring technology in home‐based dementia care: A survey study among informal carers

AbstractBackgroundThere is growing interest to support home‐based dementia care via contactless monitoring technologies which do not require any body contact and allow informal carers to remotely monitor health and safety of people with dementia (PwD). However, sustainable implementation of such technologies requires a better understanding of informal carers’ acceptance. This study therefore aimed to explore 1) acceptance towards different use scenarios, 2) acceptance towards different contactless sensor types, and 3) differences between accepters and refusers of contactless monitoring technology for home‐based dementia care.MethodA cross‐sectional online survey was conducted among n = 304 informal carers of community‐dwelling PwD (Mage = 58.5±10.7; 71% female) in the Netherlands and Germany. Questions targeted informal carers’ general acceptance towards contactless monitoring technology, their acceptance towards 5 different use scenarios, their acceptance towards 7 different contactless sensor types, as well as their own and their care recipient’s personal characteristics. Data were examined using descriptive and bivariate analyses.ResultAcceptance towards different use scenarios for contactless monitoring technology varied significantly (p&lt;.001). The intention to use contactless monitoring technology was highest for detecting emergency situations (e.g., falls, wandering), and lowest for predicting acute situations (e.g., fall prediction). Acceptance towards different contactless sensor types varied significantly as well (p&lt;.001). RF‐based sensors (e.g radar) and light sensors were considered most acceptable, whereas camera‐based sensors and audio sensors were seen as least acceptable for home‐based dementia care. Lastly, accepters and refusers of contactless monitoring technology significantly differed regarding gender (p = .010), their relation with the PwD (p = .003), eHealth literacy (p = .025), personal innovativeness (p&lt;.001), experience with safety technology (GPS trackers, alarm buttons) (p = .002), and the PwD’s type of cognitive impairment (p = .035) and housing situation (p = .023).ConclusionOur findings can help to make better‐informed decisions during development and implementation of contactless monitoring technology to support home‐based dementia care, thereby increasing the chance of achieving a fit between technology, user, and use context.

Exploring acceptance of monitoring technology in home‐based dementia care: A survey study among informal carers

AbstractBackgroundThere is growing interest to support home‐based dementia care via contactless monitoring technologies which do not require any body contact and allow informal carers to remotely monitor health and safety of people with dementia (PwD). However, sustainable implementation of such technologies requires a better understanding of informal carers’ acceptance. This study therefore aimed to explore 1) acceptance towards different use scenarios, 2) acceptance towards different contactless sensor types, and 3) differences between accepters and refusers of contactless monitoring technology for home‐based dementia care.MethodA cross‐sectional online survey was conducted among n = 304 informal carers of community‐dwelling PwD (Mage = 58.5±10.7; 71% female) in the Netherlands and Germany. Questions targeted informal carers’ general acceptance towards contactless monitoring technology, their acceptance towards 5 different use scenarios, their acceptance towards 7 different contactless sensor types, as well as their own and their care recipient’s personal characteristics. Data were examined using descriptive and bivariate analyses.ResultAcceptance towards different use scenarios for contactless monitoring technology varied significantly (p&lt;.001). The intention to use contactless monitoring technology was highest for detecting emergency situations (e.g., falls, wandering), and lowest for predicting acute situations (e.g., fall prediction). Acceptance towards different contactless sensor types varied significantly as well (p&lt;.001). RF‐based sensors (e.g radar) and light sensors were considered most acceptable, whereas camera‐based sensors and audio sensors were seen as least acceptable for home‐based dementia care. Lastly, accepters and refusers of contactless monitoring technology significantly differed regarding gender (p = .010), their relation with the PwD (p = .003), eHealth literacy (p = .025), personal innovativeness (p&lt;.001), experience with safety technology (GPS trackers, alarm buttons) (p = .002), and the PwD’s type of cognitive impairment (p = .035) and housing situation (p = .023).ConclusionOur findings can help to make better‐informed decisions during development and implementation of contactless monitoring technology to support home‐based dementia care, thereby increasing the chance of achieving a fit between technology, user, and use context.

Perception and attitude of medical sciences students towards the use of online Internet information in Oman

Background: The trend of seeking medical and health information through the Internet has been continuously increasing among youth population specially college students. The aim of this study was to record the perception and attitude of medical sciences students studying in Oman towards the use of medical and health information on the internet. Methods: A cross sectional study which involved medical sciences students studying in four higher education institutions. The questionnaire was composed of 23 close-ended questions grouped into demographic and students’ perception and attitudes towards medical and health information in the internet. Results: The internet was used as source for medical literature and medical information along with other activities in 71.1% of students and PubMed and Google were used as trusted search engines. The majority of students (96.9%) tend to check the accuracy and reliability of internet medical and health information through searching for particular information in two or more websites. 72.1% of the students believe that the internet offers great potential to meet academic needs and promote learning. The statistical analysis showed a significant statistical correlation (p=0.0001) in certain aspects of the perception and attitude of the participating students towards the utilization of medical and health information on the internet. Conclusion: Although majority of students were trained on utilizing medical and health information during their university education, it seems this exposure varies between the four academic majors. Educational institutions in Oman are encouraged to design their e-health literacy program based on the individual requirements of medical sciences curricula.