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. 2017 Nov;143(11):2291-2299.
doi: 10.1007/s00432-017-2475-6. Epub 2017 Jul 11.

eHealth literacy, Internet and eHealth service usage: a survey among cancer patients and their relatives

Nikolaus Halwas  1 , Lena Griebel  2 , Jutta Huebner  3
Affiliations

eHealth literacy, Internet and eHealth service usage: a survey among cancer patients and their relatives

Nikolaus Halwas et al. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2017 Nov.

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of our study was to investigate Internet and eHealth usage, with respect to eHealth literacy, by cancer patients and their relatives.

Patients and methods: Using a standardized questionnaire we asked patients who attended lectures on complementary medicine in 2016.

Results: We received 142 questionnaires. The frequency of general Internet usage was directly associated with younger age and better Internet connection. Younger participants were not only more confident in allocating health-related Internet information into reliable or unreliable facts, but also more confident and capable of gaining medical knowledge through eHealth services. A regular use of eHealth services facilitated the decision-making process. Reading ability was associated with a better understanding regarding eHealth offers.

Conclusion: In a modern health care system, emphasis should be on skills contributing to eHealth literacy among patients to improve their ability to profit from eHealth offers and improve health care.

Keywords: Cancer; Internet; Patient information; eHealth literacy; eHealth service.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Frequency of Internet usage and age
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Usage of eHealth services
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Assessment of eHealth literacy items
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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