The Mediating Role of E-Health Literacy in the Relationship between Health Perception and Health Service Utilization

This study was designed to determine the mediating role of e-Health literacy in the relationship between health perception and healthcare utilization. The research was conducted with 443 individuals residing in a central district of Ankara. Data were collected using a survey method with convenience sampling. The data collection form included demographic questions along with items from the Health Perception Scale, the e-Health Literacy Scale, and the Healthcare Utilization Scale. The construct validity of the scales was assessed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). The reliability of the scales was evaluated based on Cronbach's Alpha (CA) and Composite Reliability (CR) coefficients. Differences in participant characteristics were analyzed using the independent samples t-test and one-way ANOVA. Relationships between variables were examined through Pearson and Spearman correlation tests. Mediation analyses were conducted using the Process Macro 4.1 software. The scales were found to be compatible with the study data, and reliable according to CA and CR coefficients. Significant positive relationships were identified between the Health Perception Scale, e-Health Literacy Scale, and Healthcare Utilization (p