eHealth Literacy Among Patients With Cancer in Central Norway

Empowering and activating patients by means of digital tools is associated with increased utilization of health care services and reduced health care costs. The aim of this study was to assess the ability patients with cancer have to use digital tools and digitally mediated health information by means of the eHealth Literacy Questionnaire (eHLQ) survey tool.

This quantitative cross-sectional study included patients from three outpatient oncology departments in Central Norway between July 2023 and February 2024. Eligible participants were 18 years or older, currently or recently (<60 days) receiving chemotherapy, and Norwegian speaking. Data were collected using the eHLQ and supplementary questions on sociodemographic characteristics and patient portal use. Mean scale scores were calculated for the seven eHLQ scales. Analyses were performed in SPSS using general linear models.

A total of 248 patients with cancer were recruited. Mean eHealth literacy (EHL) scores assessed by using eHLQ, ranged from 2.72 to 3.14 across the seven scales (standard deviation [SD], 0.42-0.62). The highest score was observed for scale 4 feel safe and in control (mean 3.14, SD, 0.45). Increasing age showed the strongest association with lower EHL. No statistically significant gender differences were observed, and associations of low education and income with lower EHL were attenuated after adjustment for age.

Our data indicate that EHL among patients with cancer does not differ substantially from what has been found in other populations in previous studies. This may indicate that having a severe disease or receiving chemotherapy does not affect overall EHL. Increasing age was the strongest factor associated with lower EHL.