E-HEALTH LITERACY AND AVAILABILITY OF INTERNET WELLNESS INFORMATION ON FAST FOOD AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN AWKA SOUTH, ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

This study focused on e-health literacy and availability of Internet wellness information on fast food among adolescents. The avalanche of data on the Internet indicates that adolescents are likely to be influenced by online information on fast food. This study examined how exposure to online information induces dietary behaviour change among adolescents of Awka South, Anambra State. The study examined two theories: Health Belief Model that explains health behaviour and possible reasons for non-compliance with recommended health actions, and uses-and-gratifications approach which examines why and how people actively seek out particular media to satisfy specific needs. The study adopted a survey of 400 respondents using Cochran sample determination technique. The questionnaire was the instrument for data collection. Findings of the study showed that online wellness information induces dietary behaviour change and increased exposure to negative information about a product reduces the chances of its continued consumption.