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Differences in digital health literacy and future anxiety between health care and other university students in England during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Frings, Daniel; Sykes, Susie; Ojo, Adeola; Rowlands, Gillian; Trasolini, Andrew; Dadaczynski, Kevin; Okan, Orkan; Wills, Jane.
  • Frings D; School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University, 101 London Road, London, SE1 0AA, UK. fringsd@lsbu.ac.uk.
  • Sykes S; Institute of Health and Social Care, London South Bank University, 101 London Road, London, SE1 0AA, UK.
  • Ojo A; Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4BN, UK.
  • Rowlands G; Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4BN, UK.
  • Trasolini A; Institute of Health and Social Care, London South Bank University, 101 London Road, London, SE1 0AA, UK.
  • Dadaczynski K; Department of Nursing and Health Science, Fulda University of Applied Sciences, Leipziger Straße 123, 36037, Fulda, Germany.
  • Okan O; Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University Munich, Germany, Uptown München-Campus D, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60/62, 80992, Munich, Germany.
  • Wills J; Institute of Health and Social Care, London South Bank University, 101 London Road, London, SE1 0AA, UK.
BMC Public Health ; 22(1): 658, 2022 04 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1779633
ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

This study investigates university students' digital health literacy and web-based information-seeking behaviours during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in England. It compares undergraduate and postgraduate students in non-health related subjects with health care students, many of whom were preparing for, or working in, frontline roles. The survey was conducted as part of a wider study by the COVID-HL research consortium.

METHODS:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among n = 691 university students aged ≥18 years from 25 universities across England using an adapted digital survey developed by COVID-HL. Data were collected regarding sociodemographic characteristics and specific measures drawn from the Future Anxiety Scale and the Digital Health Literacy Instrument (DHLI). These had been adapted for use in an English setting and to the specific context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Other data collected included students' anxiety or worries about the future using the Dark Future Scale as well as behaviours in online information-seeking. Data were analysed using correlations to test for relationships between constructs and also between group comparisons to test for differences between students studying health and non-health related subjects.

RESULTS:

Across digital health literacy dimensions, there was no significant difference between students studying health-related subjects and other students. Health care students did report greater difficulties in relation to how to behave online. They also relied less on public body sources for information about the pandemic. A significant difference was found between the two student populations in relation to their anxiety about the future with health care students reporting fewer fears about the future.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although digital health literacy is well developed in university students, a significant proportion of students still face difficulties with evaluating online information which may frustrate public health efforts. This could be addressed by ensuring health students' curriculum in particular encompasses digital health literacy.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Health Literacy / COVID-19 Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Adolescent / Adult / Humans Language: English Journal: BMC Public Health Journal subject: Public Health Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: S12889-022-13087-Y

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Health Literacy / COVID-19 Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Adolescent / Adult / Humans Language: English Journal: BMC Public Health Journal subject: Public Health Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: S12889-022-13087-Y