Date of Award

5-2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Thesis

Department

Pharmacy

First Advisor

Oscar Beltran Perez

Second Advisor

Susanna Scott

Abstract

Background: Healthcare has shifted into predominantly an online presence through patient portals and electronic health records. Health literacy is crucial to understanding health information and making informed decisions, but little has been done to explore the impact of electronic health literacy (eHealth literacy) and its healthcare implications after the COVID-19 pandemic. In a world where everything is moving to online platforms, it is crucial to understand how eHealth literacy impacts young adults' health-seeking behaviors. Purpose: This study aims to explore eHealth literacy among Butler University students and its associated determinants. Methods: Sociodemographic data and eHealth literacy skills were collected using a Qualtrics survey. Data was analyzed using SPSS v29. Results: Of the 179 participants, 75% were female-identified, 45% were raised in Indiana, 67% were between 18-20 years old, 26% were double majoring, and respondents were primarily from the following colleges: COPHS (37%) and LAS (23.4%), and most (28.2%) were in their 2nd year of studies. Students primarily raised in Indiana reported higher confidence in using online health information (p = 0.021). They reported feeling more skillful in evaluating the online information than students who reported growing up in a different state (p = 0.046). Comparing colleges, students enrolled in a COPHS degree reported higher e-health literacy than any other college (P < 0.001). Finally, double-majoring students reported feeling less confident in searching, evaluating, and using online health information (all p < 0.01). Conclusion: health-related majors, course workload, and the place where students were raised can impact levels of health literacy.

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