Predictors of eHealth literacy in pregnant women: A structural equation model analysis

Abstract

Objective To develop and evaluate a theoretical model to explain the relationships between eHealth literacy and perception of health, and perception of pregnancy risk in pregnant women. Method This cross-sectional study was carried out with 238 pregnant women in one of the hospitals in Turkey between March 15, 2021 and May 15, 2021. Data were collected using an Information Form, eHealth Literacy Scale, Perception of Health Scale, and Perception of Pregnancy Risk Questionnaire. Results The mean scores of the pregnant women participating in the study on eHealth literacy and perception of health were 30.45 +/- 6.56 and 51.42 +/- 6.91, respectively and their mean score on perception of pregnancy risk was 42.6 +/- 29.38. The direct effect of the eHealth Literacy Scale on the "Risk for Baby" subscale of the Perception of Pregnancy Risk Questionnaire was insignificant whereas the scale's effect became significant with the Perception of Health Scale (beta = -0.006; 0.057). Conclusion To reduce the perception of risk in pregnant women, it is important to improve not only their eHealth literacy but also their knowledge and attitudes about being healthy.