Examining the internet addiction and health literacy levels of pregnant women and the relationship between them during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

Developing health literacy among pregnant women is critical for preventing internet addiction and for accessing reliable online health information. This study aims to determine the internet addiction and health literacy levels of pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic and to examine the relationship between these variables. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 416 pregnant women who were admitted to a public hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample was selected using the cluster sampling method. Data were collected using a pregnancy information form, the Internet Addiction Scale, and the Türkiye Health Literacy Scale-32. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The participants’ median total scores were 44.5 (19.0–95.0) on the Internet Addiction Scale and 31.7 (0.0–50.0) on the Türkiye Health Literacy Scale-32. A statistically significant, weak negative correlation was found between internet addiction and health literacy scores ( r = − 0.248; p < 0.001). The pregnant women in this study had low levels of internet addiction, just below the average range, and their health literacy was at a problematic-limited level. As internet addiction increases, health literacy decreases. Promoting higher health literacy among pregnant women is essential, and implementing strategies to reduce internet addiction may positively influence both behavioral addiction and health literacy outcomes.