Research Journal of Biological Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6087ISSN: Print 1815-8846
Abstract
Telemedicine has become an essential component of telehealth systems; however, individuals’ acceptance of these services is influenced not only by technological access but also by psychosocial factors. This study aimed to examine the relationship between e‐health literacy, health anxiety, and attitudes toward the use of telemedicine among young adults. This cross‐sectional study was conducted with 312 young adults in Türkiye. Data were collected via face‐to‐face interviews using sociodemographic information, the Attitude Scale Towards the Use of Telemedicine Services, the Health Anxiety Inventory–Short Form, and the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS). Pearson correlation analysis and hierarchical multiple linear regression were performed to identify factors predicting attitudes toward telemedicine use. Participants’ mean telemedicine attitude score was 58.5±9.0, health anxiety score was 16.6±6.4, and e‐health literacy score was 39.1±7.0. Attitudes toward telemedicine showed a weak negative correlation with health anxiety (r=‐0.121) and interactive e‐health literacy (r=‐0.107) (p<0.05). In hierarchical regression analysis, gender (ß=0.196, p=0.001) and health anxiety (ß=‐0.167, p=0.004) were significant predictors of telemedicine attitudes, whereas e‐health literacy was not an independent predictor (p=0.060). Young adults’ attitudes toward telemedicine are shaped more by psychological factors, particularly health anxiety, than by e‐health literacy alone. Improving digital literacy may be insufficient to increase telemedicine adoption unless interventions also address trust, perceived risk, and health‐related concerns. Multidimensional strategies integrating psychological support with digital health education are needed to promote sustainable use of telemedicine services.
How to cite this article:
Özge Esgin. The Role of E‐Health Literacy and Health Anxiety in Attitudes Toward Use of Telemedicine among Young Adults: A Cross‐Sectional Study in Türkiye.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjbs.2026.1.7
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-8846/10.36478/makrjbs.2026.1.7