Associations of Ehealth Literacy With Cervical Cancer and Human Papillomavirus Awareness Among Women in Türkiye

Abstract

Internet is women's primary source of information about cervical cancer and human papillomavirus. The aim of this study was to determine the associations of electronic health literacy with cervical cancer and human papillomavirus awareness among women of reproductive age. This is a cross-sectional study. The research sample consisted of 330 women of reproductive age (15-49 years), who were admitted to family health centers. The data were collected between July and August 2023 using eHealth Literacy Scale and the Cervical Cancer and Human Papillomavirus Awareness Questionnaire. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to explore the predictors of cervical cancer and human papillomavirus awareness. In this study, the mean score of women's knowledge about cervical cancer and human papillomavirus was found to be low (4.54 +/- 3.94), and the mean score of threat perception was found to be moderate (45.60 +/- 6.54). eHealth literacy was found to be a predictor of women's knowledge about cervical cancer and human papillomavirus and threat perception. This result suggests that eHealth literacy should be considered for interventions to increase knowledge and awareness of women about cervical cancer and human papillomavirus.