Factors influencing the e-health literacy in cancer patients: a systematic review

Abstract

Purpose As Internet technology evolves, electronic health (e-health) literacy gradually becomes a key factor in healthy behaviors and health-related decision-making. However, little is known about the influencing factors of e-health literacy among cancer survivors. Thus, the objective of this study was to systematically review the status quo, assessment tools, and influencing factors of e-health literacy in cancer patients. Methods We conducted a comprehensive search in several databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, Chinese BioMedical Literature Database, and Chinese Science and Technology Journal Database between January 2000 and December 2021. Results A total of nine articles were included in this review, all of which were cross-sectional studies. Following the JBI critical appraisal tool, seven of them were rated as high quality. The e-Health Literacy Scale (eHEALS) was the most commonly used measurement for e-health literacy in cancer patients. The level of e-health literacy in cancer survivors was not high, which was associated with a variable of factors. The behavioral model of health services use was adopted to summarize related influencing factors. From an individual’s perspective, predisposing characteristics and enabling resources were the most significant factors, without factors related to needs characteristics. Conclusion The study has identified the influencing factors of e-health literacy among cancer survivors, including age, gender, domicile place, education level, information-seeking behavior, and social support. In the future, e-health literacy lectures need to be carried out for elderly cancer patients, especially those who live in rural areas and have no access to the Internet. Families and friends of cancer survivors should also be encouraged to offer them more support. Implications for Cancer Survivors These findings of this review provide novel insights for both family members and medical workers to improve e-health literacy in cancer patients. Further research is required to develop easy-to-use electronic health information acquisition devices and establish propagable e-health literacy intervention programs for cancer survivors.

Content Quality of YouTube Videos About Metastatic Breast Cancer in Young Women: Systematic Assessment

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Designing Survey-Based Mobile Interfaces for Rural Patients With Cancer Using Apple’s ResearchKit and CareKit: Usability Study (Preprint)

“…(3) UI 3: (Figure 4 To reiterate, the most significant change in design between the different UIs is the navigation style and how a user will traverse through the application/survey. Regarding mHealth tracking apps for users with chronic illness, the design should be simple, self-explanatory, visually appealing, and intuitive to navigate [16].…”

“…In particular, adopting new innovations in rural communities is important because the disparities between advantaged and disadvantaged communities continue to grow for digital literacy, also known as the digital divide [14,15]. Factors in the divide between advantaged and disadvantaged groups are health literacy, knowledge of technology, and comfort of use [16,17]. Designers should ensure system user interfaces (UIs) are universally acceptable, particularly with respect to users with limited technical proficiency.…”

A Review of Interventions to Improve Medication Adherence of Patients with Chronic Diseases in Asia

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