Factors Influencing eHealth Literacy Worldwide: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Health Literacy
• Health Informatics

Background:

• eHealth literacy is crucial for health outcomes, but its determinants are not fully understood.
• Existing research offers an opportunity for systematic review and evidence synthesis.
• This study addresses the need for clarity on factors influencing eHealth literacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review factors influencing eHealth literacy.
• To examine the impact of these factors across diverse populations.
• To synthesize evidence on eHealth literacy determinants.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive database search (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, etc.) up to April 2023.
• Included studies measuring eHealth literacy with the eHEALS scale.
• Meta-analysis and meta-regression used to identify and explore predictors, guided by the Literacy and Health Conceptual Framework and TAM.

Main Results:

• 17 studies included in the meta-analysis.
• Key factors identified: internet usage, age, ethnicity, income, employment status, education, perceived usefulness, self-efficacy, and disease status.
• Specific influences quantified, e.g., higher internet usage (β=0.14) and education (β=0.154) correlated with higher eHealth literacy.

Conclusions:

• eHealth literacy is influenced by actions (internet usage), determinants (socio-demographics, perceived usefulness, self-efficacy), and health status (disease).
• Findings align with the Literacy and Health Conceptual Framework.
• Provides a foundation for developing targeted interventions to enhance eHealth literacy.