OCCUPATION AND HEALTH ›› 2026, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (12): 1664-1669.

• Treatise—School Health • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Research on e-Health literacy and healthy lifestyles among medical students based on the m-eHEALS scale

LI Yanpinga, SUN Xiaoyuanb   

  1. a School of Humanitiesb School of General Medicine,Xinjiang Medical University,UrumqiXinjiang 830017, China
  • Received:2025-03-27 Revised:2025-09-04 Online:2026-06-15 Published:2026-06-18

Abstract:

Objective To investigate the current status and influencing factors of e-Health literacy and healthy lifestyles among medical students in a medical university in Xinjiang,and to explore the mechanisms underlying their relationship. Methods In July 2024,a questionnaire survey was conducted among 303 medical students at a medical university in Xinjiang using a demographic information questionnaire,a mobile e-health literacy scale,and a healthy lifestyle assessment scale,and the data were analyzed. Results The average score for e-health literacy among medical students at a medical university in Xinjiang was (42.47±6.55)points,and the average score for healthy lifestyle was (37.75±5.52)points.There were statistically significant differences in e-Health literacy scores of medical students with different parents' educational level,health perception,self-rated health status,daily internet usage duration,frequency of using Internet-based medical platforms,satisfaction and trust(all P<0.05). The total score of e-Health literacy among medical students was positively correlated with the total score of healthy lifestyle(r=0.527,P<0.01). Additionally,frequency of use,satisfaction,and trust in Internet medical platforms were positively correlated with both e-Health literacy and healthy lifestyle(r=0.239,0.364,0.305,0.151,0.323,0.291,all P<0.01). e-Health literacy had a significant positive effect on mental health,regular lifestyle and physical exercise(β=0.771,0.654,0.338,all P<0.01). Conclusion The e-Health literacy and healthy lifestyle levels among medical students at a medical university in Xinjiang are at a moderate level. Demographic variables,health perceptions,self-rated health,Internet usage,digital health information access,and the use and evaluation of Internet medical platforms are all the influencing factors of their e-Health literacy. Higher e-Health literacy is associated with healthier lifestyles,greater adherence to regular routines,and improved mental well-being. Universities should implement targeted interventions to enhance students’ e-Health literacy to promote overall physical and psychological health.

Key words: Medical students, e-Health literacy, Healthy lifestyle, Internet healthcare, Influencing factors, Health education

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