@article{article_1426351, title={The Relationship Between E-Health Literacy Level and Healthcare Demand Postponement Behavior}, journal={Online Turkish Journal of Health Sciences}, volume={9}, pages={150–156}, year={2024}, DOI={10.26453/otjhs.1426351}, author={Çağatay, Altuğ}, keywords={E-sağlık okuryazarlığı, sağlık erteleme davranışı, sağlık hizmetleri}, abstract={Objective: The study aims to determine the relationship between e-health literacy levels and the behavior of delaying healthcare demand. The association of this impact dimension has also been examined in terms of demographic variables. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study used a survey method with 684 participants. Data collection involved a personal information form, e-health literacy, and a health service postponement behavior questionnaire. Results: According to the research findings, no significant difference was found between hospital admission and e-health literacy (p=0.491). However, a significant difference was observed between hospital admission and health service postponement behavior (p <0.000). The importance of the internet in health decisions varied between e-health literacy and postponement behavior (p=0.000; p=0.018). Access to online health resources showed significant differences for both health literacy and postponement behavior (p=0.000; p=0.000). A positive correlation was found between e-health literacy and health service postponement. Additionally, e-health literacy significantly impacted traditional search behavior (R2=0.024; p <0.000). Conclusions: The research findings suggest that higher levels of e-health literacy correlate with a tendency to postpone healthcare services. Given the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, behaviors that delay healthcare should be mitigated.}, number={2}, publisher={Oğuz KARABAY}