Background: Modern technology allows people to search for various information on the Internet, including health information. The eHEALS scale measures and assesses the ability for consumers to find, judge and apply health information found towards health problems. The Italian version of the eHEALS scale was validated using the Principal-Component Analysis (PCA) technique. Even if the results were satisfactory and the scale was considered validated, psychometric scaling literature is also recommended to subject the scale itself to a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) for a more sound and complete validation process. Methods: The sample consisted of 349 Italian participants. Each participant was administered Italian versions of the eHEALS scale, the Rosenberg's self-esteem scale, The Anxiety - Adult (PROMIS Emotional Distress - Anxiety) - Short Form, the Locus of Control of Behavior Test and the General Self-Efficacy Scale. Several psychometric tests were also performed to investigate the validity and reliability of the test, including the CFA. Results: Analysis of the data showed satisfactory psychometric characteristics and confirmed the scale's unidimensional properties. The eHEALS eight items scale items had acceptable correlations with the eHEALS test total (min=0.780, max=0.867). Furthermore, factor loadings were significant (min=0.836, max=0.948). The measure of internal consistency was excellent (a = 0.931). Construct validity for the eHEALS scale was supported by significant positive correlations with the Internal Locus of Control of Behavior and the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the frequency of searching for information on one's health, perceived expertise with technology, frequency of Internet use, perceived Internet expertise and a negative correlation with external locus of control. Conclusions: The Italian version of the Health Literacy Scale (eHEALS) is valid and reliable in assessing the ability to collect, evaluate, and apply health information to health problems amongst the general Italian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]