Mapping eHealth literacy and associated psychological factors: a cluster analysis of chronic hematology patients in...

eHealth literacy refers to one's ability to engage effectively with electronic health information. It is proven to have associations with certain psychological constructs; therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify cluster profiles based on differences in the context of levels of eHealth literacy, illness perception, well-being, stigmatization, optimism, and self-efficacy. In a cross-sectional design, a sample of adult hematology patients from Hungary (N = 96; Mage = 56.5 years; SD = 15.5) completed a self-administered paper-pencil survey including six scales: eHealth Literacy Scale, Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, WHO Well-Being Index, Stigma Scale for Chronic Illness, Revised Life Orientation Test, and General Self-Efficacy Scale. Pearson's bivariate correlation analyses explored bivariate relationships between eHealth literacy and other psychological variables, while K-means clustering was performed to identify patient categorization across the explored variables. Correlation analysis revealed that eHealth literacy had a positive correlation with self-efficacy and a negative association with illness perception. Well-being was positively correlated with self-efficacy and optimism, while illness perception was negatively correlated with self-efficacy but positively with optimism. Cluster analysis identified two patient profiles. Cluster 1, labeled 'empowered and e-health literate patients', included 42 patients with high-level eHealth literacy, better well-being, positive illness perceptions, higher scores on self-efficacy and optimism, and weaker feelings of stigmatization. Cluster 2, labeled 'vulnerable patients with low-level eHealth literacy', comprised 53 patients with low-level eHealth literacy, poorer well-being, negative illness perceptions, lower level of self-efficacy and optimism, and stronger feelings of stigmatization. Chi-square tests revealed statistically significant differences by clusters regarding age, permanent residence, and health status. In conclusion, findings showed substantial differences in patient profiles, suggesting that in their development, eHealth literacy and its associations with psychological variables, most importantly, well-being and illness perception can play a decisive role. These results promote the targeted development of eHealth literacy interventions.