Digital health literacy: A cross-sectional survey study among patients after hospitalization in Germany

Digital transformation in healthcare is both a unique opportunity to improve care services and a significant challenge for legislation, stakeholders and all citizens. eHealth literacy (eHL) describes an important set of competencies when dealing with digital health information. Therefore, health insurance funds in Germany received the mandate to promote eHL among their policy holders. However, to date little is known about eHL in the German population and its potential determinants. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess eHL in a sample of patients after their hospital stay and to explore potential sociodemographic determinants.

A cross-sectional, self-report, online survey study was conducted with a subgroup of a nationally representative sample in Germany using the revised eHealth Literacy Scale (GR-eHEALS). Market research providers were commissioned with the recruitment and data collection of 1,000 participants. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were computed.

Overall, comparatively high scores were reported for eHealth literacy. Significant differences in eHL were found regarding age, sex, and educational background. Participants aged between 38 and 67 years had significantly higher scores than the under 27-year-olds. Female participants reported higher levels of eHL than male participants. Further, a higher level of educational attainment was related to a higher level of eHL. The native language (German) and the actual employment status were unrelated to eHL.

Previous studies showed inconsistent results regarding the potential determinants of eHL. Our results provide further data on eHL in the German population and underscore the importance of age, sex, and education for eHL. Stakeholders such as health insurance funds should therefore pay particular attention to these determinants in order to fulfil their legal mandate to promote eHealth literacy.

Our results provide an assessment of the status quo of eHealth literacy among a subgroup of the general population in Germany, which can inform both legislators and health insurers about important determinants affecting the development and design of technical health products.