Determination of rational drug use, health literacy, and cyberchondria levels among teachers

AIM: This study aims to determine the levels of rational drug use, health literacy, and cyberchondria among teachers. METHOD: This study was conducted with 325 teachers working in Yerköy district of Yozgat province. Data were collected using the Rational Drug Use Scale, the Health Literacy Scale, the Cyberchondria Severity Scale, and a sociodemographic questionnaire. The analyses were performed using SPSS 26.0; Descriptive statistics were calculated, and inferential analyses, including correlation, regression, and group comparison tests, were conducted to address the study objectives. RESULTS: A total of 325 teachers participated (51.1% female; mean age 35.2 ± 5.8 years). Most reported good or very good health (80%), while 28% had a chronic disease. The mean Rational Drug Use score was 31.2 ± 4.8, with 61.8% showing insufficient knowledge. Health literacy was adequate in 62.5% of participants (mean 37.8 ± 5.9), and cyberchondria levels were moderate (mean 68.4 ± 13.1). Women and younger teachers showed higher cyberchondria and health literacy, respectively. Better health perception, higher parental education, absence of chronic disease, and physician consultation were associated with higher rational drug use and health literacy, and lower cyberchondria. Logistic regression indicated that higher health literacy, better perceived health, and consulting a physician significantly increased the likelihood of adequate rational drug use. Multiple linear regression showed that lower rational drug use, lower health literacy, and poorer perceived health predicted higher cyberchondria. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that teachers' e-health literacy may play an important role in reducing cyberchondria tendencies.