The mediating role of online media credibility in the relationship between self-determination and non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention among Malaysian university students.

Abstract

In today’s digital era, online media has emerged as a central source of health information, significantly shaping individuals' health behaviors and decision-making processes. The credibility of digital media plays a crucial role in ensuring effective health communication, particularly in efforts to prevent noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). This study examines the mediating role of online media credibility in the relationship between self-determination and NCD prevention among university students in Malaysia. Specifically, this study aims to analyze how elements of self-determination influence preventive health behaviors and to assess whether perceptions of online media credibility serve as a mediating factor. Data were collected through structured questionnaires distributed to students at selected public universities across five regions in Malaysia. Regression analysis was employed to examine the relationships among self-determination, online media credibility, and NCD prevention behavior. The findings reveal that students with higher levels of self-determination are more inclined to engage in preventive practices, and this relationship is significantly mediated by their perception of the credibility of online health information. These results highlight the importance of fostering media literacy and ensuring access to trustworthy digital health content to support informed health decisions among young adults. The study contributes to the growing discourse on digital health communication, offering valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and media professionals on cultivating a health-aware digital generation