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Translation and Psychometric Validation of the Amharic eHealth Literacy Questionnaire: Cross-Sectional Study
Gesine Meng1, Nuhamin Tekle Gebre1,2, Abel Shita1
1Global and Planetary Health Working Group, Institute of Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics, and Informatics, Center of Health Sciences, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 8, Halle, Saxony-Anhalt, 06112, Germany, +49 3455573586.
Journal of Medical Internet Research
|July 16, 2026
Summary
The Amharic eHealth Literacy Questionnaire (eHLQ) shows good psychometric properties for assessing patient eHealth literacy in Ethiopia. This validated tool supports developing targeted eHealth interventions.
Area of Science:
- Health Informatics
- Psychometrics
- Global Health
Background:
- eHealth interventions show promise for low- and middle-income countries.
- Assessing and developing eHealth literacy is crucial for effective eHealth implementation in Ethiopia.
Purpose of the Study:
- Translate the eHealth Literacy Questionnaire (eHLQ) into Amharic.
- Evaluate the psychometric properties of the Amharic eHLQ.
Main Methods:
- Systematic translation process including forward/backward translation and expert review.
- Cross-sectional study with 300 Ethiopian patients with internet access.
- Assessed internal consistency, factor structure, convergent, and discriminant validity.
Main Results:
- Amharic eHLQ demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach α=0.72-0.91, McDonald ω=0.79-0.96), except for Scale 4.
- The 7-factor model showed satisfactory fit (CFI=0.97, TLI=0.97, SRMR=0.07).
- Convergent validity was supported by strong correlations with eHEALS, while discriminant validity was moderate.
Conclusions:
- The Amharic eHLQ is a valid tool for assessing eHealth literacy in Ethiopian patients with internet access.
- This is the first eHLQ validation in sub-Saharan Africa, supporting tailored eHealth interventions.
- Further research on Scale 4 is recommended to enhance psychometric robustness.
