JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

: Nurses play a pivotal role in healthcare delivery and health education. However, their demanding work environments—characterized by irregular shifts and high stress—often hinder their ability to adopt healthy lifestyles, compromising both their well being and their effectiveness as role models for health promotion. With the rise of digital health technologies, eHealth literacy—the capacity to seek, evaluate, and apply online health information—has emerged as a critical factor influencing health promoting behaviors among healthcare professionals.

Objective:

This study aimed to examine the relationship between eHealth literacy and healthy lifestyle behaviors among Iranian nurses, with a particular focus on specific lifestyle dimensions.

Methods:

A cross sectional descriptive analytical study was conducted in Tehran, Iran, from November 2024 to February 2025. A total of 334 registered nurses from seven public and teaching hospitals participated. Data were collected via the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) and the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP II). Spearman’s correlation and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results:

Most nurses (70.1%) demonstrated moderate eHealth literacy, while 53.3% achieved good overall healthy lifestyle scores, and none scored low. A significant positive correlation was found between eHealth literacy and overall healthy lifestyle (r = 0.565, p < 0.001), with the strongest associations observed for spiritual growth (r = 0.537), health responsibility (r = 0.437), and interpersonal relationships (r = 0.467). Associations with stress management (r = 0.318), nutrition (r = 0.321), and physical activity (r = 0.289) were weaker but remained statistically significant, highlighting areas where workplace factors such as rotating shifts may limit nurses’ ability to engage in these behaviors.

Conclusions:

Enhanced eHealth literacy is associated with healthier lifestyles among nurses, especially in the domains of spiritual growth, health responsibility, and interpersonal relations, thereby fostering more resilient health management. The weaker associations with physical activity and stress management highlight workplace barriers such as rotating shifts. To empower nurses’ well being and advocacy roles in Iran, comprehensive strategies—including targeted eHealth literacy training, flexible scheduling, and dedicated wellness programs—are essential.