Investigating E-Health Literacy and Its Relationship with Self-care Behaviors among Iranian Hypertensive Patients: a Cross-Sectional Study

Authors
Sh. Shirzadi
Z. Arab Borzu
M. Taziki
S. Safari
N. Golghandashti
Sh. Jahanfar
.
Abstract
Background: E-health literacy is correlated with health-related behaviors, so it can be a mediator in the process by which health-related information leads to changes in health-related behaviors. Therefore, we conducted this study to investigate e-health literacy and examine the relationship between e-health literacy and self-care behaviors in hypertensive patients.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 240 hypertensive patients covered by the health care centers of Neyshabur City, Iran, in 2024. They were selected through a stratified random sampling method. Data was gathered using a demographic characteristics questionnaire, a Hypertension Self-Care Profile, and an Electronic Health Literacy scale. Collected data were analyzed using multiple linear regression by SPSS software version 22, and the significance level was considered 0.05.

Results: The mean age of the respondents was 41.1±5.69 years. The mean (±SD) of the diabetes Self-care activities was 47.1 ±8.5, and the mean (±SD) of e-health literacy was 21.3 ±6.6. Most diabetics had low e-health Literacy 179(74.6%). After adjusting for the variables of having a blood pressure measuring device at home and sleep status, e-health literacy (B=, 0.313, SE= 0.092, P < 0.05) was the statistically significant independent factor associated with self-care activities of hypertensive patients.

Conclusion: Executing educational programs focusing on promoting e-health literacy can increase the self-care activities of hypertensive patients, increasing the overall patient’s quality of life.

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Subjects

Health Education and Health Promotion
Volume 1, Issue 0
Winter 2022