Evaluation of E-Health Literacy Levels among Medical Students

Abstract Introduction E-health literacy is the ability of people to access, comprehend, and use digital health information. The previous studies show that medical students find it difficult to properly assess internet health information. This study is aimed to evaluate the e-health literacy levels of medical students, as healthcare providers. Methods In this cross-sectional study, the sample was selected from each class using a systematic sampling technique. Data were collected in Jan-Feb 2025 through an online survey. The study assessed participants’ characteristics and digital health literacy using the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS). Data analysis was performed using SPSS 28, applying descriptive statistics and comparative tests. Results The average age of the 275 students participated was 21.7, and 57.5% of them were female. All students had regular internet access, with an average usage time of 5.9 hours per day. Smartphones were used by 100.0% of the students for internet access, while 94.5% also preferred laptops and/or tablets. While e-health literacy scores did not differ by gender, it increased with class level. The median score obtained from the scale was 29.0 for preclinical and 32.0 for clinical students, indicating higher e-health literacy among clinical students (p < 0.001). No significant relationship was found between daily internet usage time and e-health literacy scores. Moreover, 75.0% of students expressed a demand for e-health literacy courses in the curriculum. Conclusions E-health literacy levels have been found to rise as education goes on; however, it has been determined that these abilities require more systematic instruction. In this context, it is advised that medical faculties create instructional initiatives that emphasize digital health literacy. Incorporating e-literacy course into the curriculum will assist them find and use reliable information. Key messages • E-health literacy improves with education, but structured training is essential and should be integrated into the medical curriculum. • E-health literacy improves with higher education levels, however, existing challenges must be addressed to enhance their skills.