Exploring the interplay: Maternal electronic health literacy and its impact on early childhood development and parenting practices.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Mothers need a competent electronic health literacy (eHL) skill for beneficial gains for the health of their children in the virtual environment, which is a new health platform. We predict that a competent eHL of mothers who play a central role in early childhood will positively affect the health of their children. This study aimed to determine the level of eHL of mothers of young children and investigate the relationship between mothers' eHL and early childhood development (ECD) and early parenting practices (EPP). METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on mothers with children aged 36-59 months using eHealth. Sociodemographic and personal characteristics form, Early Childhood Development Module and eHealth Literacy Scale were administered to the participating mothers. RESULTS: The data from 440 mother-child pairs were analysed. Children of mothers with sufficient eHL levels were more likely to be Early Childhood Development Index (ECDI)-on-track, adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.16 (1.29-3.61); have adequate support in learning, AOR (%95 CI) 3.23 (1.69-6.18); and have adequate daily meals and snacks, AOR (%95 CI) 2.43 (1.56-3.78). CONCLUSION: These results revealed that there is a need for interventions that will contribute to child health by improving mothers' eHL levels.