Keywords
health information literacy
health-seeking behaviour
outpatients
preventive medicine
Abstract
Introduction. Digital health literacy may shape how patients seek health information in increasingly digitalized environments where patients use computers, smartphones, tablets and AI-supported search tools to access health information. This study examined the association between digital health literacy competencies and traditional, professional and online health-seeking behaviour among hospital outpatients.
Methods. A cross-sectional descriptive-correlational survey was conducted with 400 volunteer outpatients aged 18 years and older at a training and research hospital in Türkiye. Participants were recruited equally from pulmonology, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology, ophthalmology and cardiology clinics using quota-based convenience sampling. Data were collected using demographic questions, the Health-Seeking Behaviour Scale and the Digital Health Literacy Competency Scale for Citizens. Nonparametric group comparisons and Spearman correlation analyses were performed using SPSS 26.
Results. Traditional health-seeking behaviour had the highest mean score, followed by professional and online health-seeking behaviour. Online health-seeking behaviour was positively correlated with health information literacy (r_s=.446, p<.001) and digital competence (r_s=.493, p<.001). Online health-seeking behaviour, health information literacy and digital competence decreased with age and increased with education. Women reported higher online health-seeking behaviour and digital competence than men.
Conclusion. Digital health literacy competencies were most clearly associated with online health-seeking behaviour, while traditional and professional sources remained important. Outpatient clinics may be useful settings for practical, age-sensitive and education-sensitive digital health literacy support.
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