The Effect of Young Adults’ Online Privacy Awareness on E-Health Literacy

Yorulmaz M., GÖDE A., Aydoğdu A., Akdoğan K.

Journal of Consumer Health on the Internet, 2025 (ESCI, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/15398285.2025.2588080
  • Journal Name: Journal of Consumer Health on the Internet
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, IBZ Online, CINAHL, Information Science and Technology Abstracts, Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts (LISTA), Public Affairs Index
  • Keywords: E-health literacy, internet, online privacy awareness, young adults
  • Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study examines the effect of young adults’ online privacy awareness on their e-health literacy. A cross-sectional design was used, and data were collected from 475 young adults living in Konya, Türkiye, between January and February 2025. Convenience sampling was applied, and data were obtained using a “Personal Information Form,” “Online Privacy Awareness Scale,” and “E-Health Literacy Scale.” Most participants (55.6%) were male and between 21–23 years old (57.3%), and 92.4% reported having regular internet access. In addition, 73.3% stated that they take precautions to protect personal information online. Analyses were performed using IBM SPSS 26. Since the normality assumption was met, parametric tests were used. The results indicated that higher levels of online privacy awareness were associated with higher levels of e-health literacy (p <.001). This highlights the importance of strengthening online privacy awareness to support individuals’ ability to safely search for and evaluate health information in digital environments. Ethical approval was obtained prior to data collection.