Perceptions of Finns with chronic diseases about factors affecting their eHealth literacy: A qualitative interview study

Abstract

Objective This study aims to describe the factors related to the individual, the system and their interaction, which can affect eHealth literacy from the perspective of people living with one or multiple chronic diseases. As digital solutions are increasingly used in healthcare, perspectives of patients with chronic diseases must be considered. Methods The study design was a qualitative, descriptive interview study, gathering the insights of people living in Finland with chronic disease. The individual semi-structured interviews ( n = 17) were conducted via telephone. The eHealth Literacy Framework was used in the data analysis, with a deductive–inductive approach. Results The range of skills included in the eHealth Literacy Framework was widely applied by participants who described themselves as adept at using eHealth environments to manage health-related needs. The participants evaluated online information and took an active role in self-management of their chronic disease. Most importantly, even participants possessing many of the skills in the eHealth Literacy Framework experienced difficulties in using eHealth environments, and the accessibility of eHealth environments was highlighted. Conclusions eHealth environments could be useful for health promotion and self-management for people with chronic diseases, but only presuming the environments are adapted to their level of eHealth literacy skills.