eHealth literacy and internet use for health information : a study in Swedish primary healthcare

Abstract: Background: Primary healthcare (PHC) is facing significant challenges in Sweden and around the world. One way to address such challenges is through health-related Internet information (HRII) and other eHealth services, which are resources for high-quality, accessible and cost-effective care. Such re­sources have been found to assist in improving individual health, especially for people with chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes. More specifically, eHealth services may play an important role in increasing patients’ knowledge, engagement and autonomy in health management, as well as enhancing their self-care practices. However, patients must have adequate capabilities – collectively known as eHealth literacy (eHL) – in order to use eHealth services effectively. Aim: The overall aim of this thesis was to explore eHL and HRII use in the context of Swedish PHC. Methods: Data collection for paper I was conducted through individual interviews with PHNs, which were then analysed using qualitative content analysis. Paper II involved patients with type 2 diabetes who were interviewed individually or responded to open-ended survey questions; the data were analysed using thematic analysis. In paper III, which was a translation and validation study, the data consisted of cognitive interviews and questionnaires predominantly answered by PHC visitors, and employed psychometric analysis methods. The same data from PHC visitors were used in paper IV, in which descriptive and comparative statistics and logistic regression analyses were employed. Results: In paper I, the interviewed PHNs expressed mixed feelings regarding consultations with Internet-informed patients. While they recognised benefits such as increased patient engagement and the support of self-care, their responses focused on the challenges they encountered. These challenges included patient confusion and unwarranted anxiety stemming from HRII, as well as conflicted, time-consuming and unnecessary healthcare consultations. In paper II, patients with type 2 diabetes outlined their challenges associated with online COVID-19 information, which encompassed information overload, conflicting content and notable emotional impact. They described employing diverse coping strategies to address these challenges, including restricting their information consumption, relying on authoritative sources, actively evaluating source credibility, engaging in discussions with others and applying common sense. In paper III, the eHealth Literacy Questionnaire (eHLQ) was translated and culturally adapted to assess eHL in a Swedish context. The Swedish version of the eHLQ was found to demonstrate robust psychometric properties. In paper IV, it was determined that older age groups (>60) were assessed with lower eHL in several eHLQ domains, including those regarding motivation and ability to use HRII and digital technology. In addition, older age groups reported that eHealth services did not suit their individual needs. Variables that were found to be independently associated with lower eHL across several domains were advanced age and the perception that HRII was not useful or important. Conclusion: Both the patients and PHNs in this thesis encountered challenges related to patients’ acquisition of HRII and utilisation of eHealth services. A collective and important objective for healthcare professionals and authorities should be to facilitate patients’ HRII and eHealth service usage. Therefore, PHNs and other healthcare professionals should actively encourage open discussions with patients about the latter’s HRII findings, recommend credible websites, explore potential barriers to patients’ eHealth usage, motivate patients to use eHealth services and suggest ways for patients to enhance their eHL. Healthcare authorities and eHealth developers are suggested to increasingly involve end-users in the development of eHealth services and provide opportunities for customisation based on individual needs.