Evaluation of the relationship between e-health literacy and dietary supplement use among pregnant women

Aim: This study aimed to determine the relationship between e-health literacy levels and the use of dietary supplements—including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products—among pregnant women. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2024 and January 2025 in the antenatal outpatient clinics of Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital. A total of 199 pregnant women who provided informed consent were included. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the e-Health Literacy Scale (e-HLS) and a descriptive information form that included questions on dietary supplement use. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: A total of 199 participants were included, with a mean age of 29.20 years (range: 18–42). The mean total e-HLS score was 24.58 ± 8.17 (range: 8–40). No significant correlation was found between age and e-health literacy (r=0.007, p=0.924). e-HLS scores were significantly higher among those living in extended families (p=0.025), residing in city centers (p=0.015), and employed participants (p=0.004). Participants who used social media had significantly higher e-health literacy scores (p<0.001), and scores increased with longer daily internet use (p<0.001). Those who applied health information obtained from the internet also had significantly higher e-health literacy levels (p<0.001). Conclusion: In this study, participants who used vitamin/mineral supplements had lower e-HLS levels, while no significant difference was observed for herbal product use. Higher e-HLS scores among participants who believed in the accuracy of online health information suggest that e-health literacy may contribute to higher-quality, safer decision-making during pregnancy by promoting access to reliable information and appropriate source selection. Strengthening e-HLS through primary care counseling and digital education may help ensure safer and more informed decisions regarding dietary supplement use in pregnancy. Keywords: E-health literacy, dietary supplements, herbal products, vitamin-mineral supplementation, pregnancy