@article{article_1831522, title={Effects of Online Health Information-Seeking Behavior on Rational Medication Use and Patient Activism}, journal={Journal of Contemporary Medicine}, volume={16}, pages={37–42}, year={2026}, DOI={10.16899/jcm.1831522}, url={https://izlik.org/JA67MH43EH}, author={Özişli, Ömer and Kara, Enes and Er, Kadri}, keywords={Online Sağlık Bilgisi Arama Davranışı, Akılcı İlaç Kullanımı, Hasta Aktivizmi, Dijital Sağlık Okuryazarlığı, Sağlık Davranışı}, abstract={ABSTRACT Aim:This study aimed to examine the effects of Online Health Information-Seeking Behavior on Rational Medication Use and Patient Activism, and to evaluate whether rational medication use mediates the relationship between online information seeking and patient activism. Material and Method:A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 462 adults residing in Sakarya, Türkiye. Data were collected through face-to-face and online surveys using validated scales measuring online health information-seeking behavior, rational medication use, and patient activism. Descriptive analyses, correlation tests, regression analyses, and mediation analysis were performed using SPSS 22.0. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained prior to data collection. Results:Participants demonstrated moderate levels of online health information-seeking behavior, while their rational medication use and patient activism levels were relatively lower. Online information-seeking behavior was positively associated with both rational medication use and patient activism. Additionally, rational medication use partially mediated the relationship between online health information seeking and patient activism, indicating that individuals who seek health information online are more likely to engage in rational medication practices and take a more active role in managing their health. Conclusion:Online Health Information-Seeking Behavior contributes meaningfully to both Rational Medication Use and Patient Activism. Strengthening digital health literacy and improving access to reliable online health resources may enhance patient engagement, support safer medication practices, and promote better health outcomes. Interventions aimed at increasing patients’ capacity to evaluate digital health information could further strengthen these behaviors.}, number={1}