Digital Health Literacy and Non-Communicable Disease Prevention Behaviours Among Generation Z
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69855/mgj.v3i2.621Keywords:
Digital Health Literacy, Non-Communicable Diseases, Prevention Behavior, Generation Z, Digital Health TransformationAbstract
Digital transformation has increased Generation Z's access to health information; however, the ability to critically evaluate and utilize such information may influence preventive health behaviors, particularly regarding non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Purpose: This study aimed to examine the relationship between digital health literacy and NCD prevention behavior among Generation Z in the era of digital health transformation. Methods: A quantitative study with a cross-sectional design was conducted among 422 Generation Z respondents aged 17–26 years in Palembang, Indonesia. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through an online questionnaire using the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) and an NCD prevention behavior instrument. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and Chi-square tests. Results: More than half of respondents (52.6%) had high digital health literacy, while 43.1% demonstrated good NCD prevention behavior. Pearson analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between digital health literacy and NCD prevention behavior (r = 0.462; p < 0.001). Chi-square analysis also showed a significant association between literacy categories and prevention behavior categories (χ² = 86.37; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Higher digital health literacy is associated with better NCD prevention behavior among Generation Z. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening digital health literacy through digital health promotion strategies to support healthy lifestyle adoption and NCD prevention in the digital era.
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