Assessing eHealth Literacy and Identifying Factors Influencing Its Adoption Among Cancer Inpatients: A Cross-Sectional Study in Guangdong Population

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the current state of eHealth literacy among cancer patients in a grade A tertiary hospital in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, and to identify the factors that influence it, in order to provide a basis for improving the eHealth literacy of cancer patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From September to November 2021, a convenience sampling method was employed to survey cancer patients in the oncology department of a grade A tertiary hospital in Guangzhou, using a self-administered general information questionnaire and the eHealth literacy scale (eHEALS). A total of 130 questionnaires were distributed, and 117 valid questionnaires were returned. RESULTS: The mean total score of eHealth literacy among cancer patients was 21.32±8.35. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the frequency of searching for health information and education level were significant factors influencing eHealth literacy (p<0.05). Specifically, the education level (junior high school vs primary school or below) was found to have a significant association with eHealth literacy (beta=0.26, p=0.039). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that the eHealth literacy of cancer patients is relatively low, with low scores on the dimensions of judgment and decision-making ability. The government and relevant regulatory authorities should focus on strengthening the reliability of online health information and implementing targeted e-interventions to enhance the eHealth literacy of cancer patients.