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Importance of eHealth Literacy for University Students
In today’s digital age, eHealth literacy has emerged as a critical determinant of health behaviors, particularly among university students. As non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 71% of global deaths, understanding health information is vital for effective prevention strategies. eHealth literacy encompasses the ability to find, understand, evaluate, and apply health-related information from electronic sources (Shoji et al., 2025).
University students, often at a formative stage in their health behaviors, are increasingly turning to the Internet for health information. A study conducted with nursing students in Japan and Indonesia demonstrated that higher eHealth literacy correlates with healthier lifestyle choices (Shoji et al., 2025). This demographic is particularly vulnerable to adopting poor health practices, which can have long-term consequences on their health.
Understanding the dynamics of eHealth literacy and its influence on health behaviors can inform interventions aimed at reducing the burden of NCDs. This is especially pertinent in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has shifted many health services online, emphasizing the need for effective digital health literacy.
Influence of COVID-19 on Health Behaviors Among Students
The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally altered how students access health information and make health-related decisions. During this period, there was a significant increase in the consumption of digital health resources. Studies indicate that while eHealth literacy has the potential to improve health behaviors, the pandemic’s impact has not been uniformly positive.
For instance, while students reported increased engagement with online health resources, they also faced challenges regarding misinformation and anxiety about health-related matters (Shoji et al., 2025). Moreover, despite high levels of awareness about health issues, actual behavioral change remained inconsistent. The pandemic thus serves as a double-edged sword, highlighting the critical need for educational interventions that enhance eHealth literacy while navigating the pitfalls of digital misinformation.
Table 1: Comparison of Health Awareness and Behaviors Pre- and Post-COVID-19
| Health Behavior | Pre-COVID-19 (%) | Post-COVID-19 (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Engaged with health info | 60 | 85 |
| Verified health claims | 40 | 55 |
| Adopted healthier diets | 45 | 50 |
| Increased physical activity | 50 | 55 |
Key Predictors of Food Label Utilization in Young Adults
Food labeling plays a significant role in shaping dietary choices. A recent study among university students revealed that knowledge and attitudes towards food labels were crucial predictors of their utilization (AlBlooshi et al., 2025). The study found that 89.9% of students acknowledged the importance of food labeling, yet only 55.6% regularly checked them.
The factors influencing food label utilization include:
- Knowledge: Higher levels of understanding about food labels correlate with increased usage.
- Attitudes: Positive attitudes towards health information directly influence label-checking behavior.
- Demographics: Marital status and employment significantly impact attitudes towards food labeling, with married and employed individuals showing higher engagement (AlBlooshi et al., 2025).
Table 2: Influence of Demographic Factors on Food Label Utilization
| Demographic Factor | Check Food Labels (%) |
|---|---|
| Single | 50% |
| Married | 70% |
| Employed | 65% |
| Unemployed | 40% |
Health Behaviors and Their Role in Non-Communicable Disease Prevention
Health behaviors, including diet, physical activity, and substance use, are pivotal in preventing NCDs. The interplay of these behaviors can either mitigate or exacerbate the risk of developing conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. For instance, research indicates that poor dietary choices can significantly increase the likelihood of NCDs, while regular physical activity can enhance health outcomes.
The role of education in promoting healthy behaviors is critical. University health programs that integrate nutrition education and physical activity initiatives have shown promise in fostering healthier lifestyle choices among students (AlBlooshi et al., 2025).
Strategies for Improving eHealth Literacy and Public Health Outcomes
Enhancing eHealth literacy among university students requires targeted strategies that address their unique needs:
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Educational Workshops: Implementing workshops focusing on evaluating health information sources, understanding food labels, and adopting healthy lifestyle practices can significantly improve students’ eHealth literacy.
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Peer Support Programs: Establishing peer-led initiatives where students share experiences and strategies for healthy living can encourage positive behavior changes.
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Digital Resources: Providing access to reliable online resources and tools can empower students to make informed health decisions.
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Policy Advocacy: Engaging policymakers to promote clear labeling and accessible health information can enhance public health outcomes.
Table 3: Proposed Strategies for Enhancing eHealth Literacy
| Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Educational Workshops | Interactive sessions on health literacy and information evaluation. |
| Peer Support Programs | Student-led initiatives to share health resources and experiences. |
| Digital Resources | Access to reliable online health information and tools. |
| Policy Advocacy | Lobbying for clear labeling and better health information access. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, eHealth literacy is a powerful predictor of health behaviors among university students, influencing their capacity to make informed decisions regarding their health. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of digital health literacy, revealing both opportunities and challenges. By understanding the predictors of food label utilization and implementing effective strategies to enhance eHealth literacy, we can pave the way for healthier lifestyles and reduce the incidence of non-communicable diseases.
FAQ
What is eHealth literacy?
eHealth literacy refers to the ability to find, understand, evaluate, and apply health-related information from electronic sources.
Why is food labeling important?
Food labeling provides essential nutritional information that helps consumers make informed dietary choices, crucial for preventing non-communicable diseases.
How has COVID-19 impacted health behaviors?
The pandemic has increased reliance on digital health information but also highlighted issues of misinformation and inconsistent behavior changes among individuals.
What strategies can enhance eHealth literacy?
Strategies include educational workshops, peer support programs, providing digital resources, and advocating for policy changes related to health information access.
References
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Shoji, Y., Irwan, A. M., Ochiai, R., Syahrul, S., Shinohara, E., Fiqri, A. M., Takeuchi, S., Erfina, E., Iida, M., Saleh, A., Moriguchi, F., Nakamura, S., & Kanoya, Y. (2025). The Impact of eHealth Literacy on Health Behaviors for Non-communicable Disease Prevention Among University Students in Japan and Indonesia. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.78450
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AlBlooshi, S., Smail, L., Aldayyani, A., Zeb, F., & Ibrahim, A. (2025). University Students’ Understanding and Utilization of Food Labels: A Cross-Sectional Study. International Journal of Food Science