Assessing e-Health Literacy and Digital Competence among Peruvian Primary Health Care Patients

The aim of the study was to assess the level of e-Health literacy among users of primary health care. Materials and methods: Quantitative approach study, cross-sectional descriptive design. The population consisted of users of primary health care located in the northern area of the city of Lima, Peru. The e-Health Literacy Scale (eHEALS) was used. Results: The study involved 400 subjects of both sexes, with a median age of 35 years (Q1=28, Q3=47, IQR=19, Min=18, Max=78). The median eHEALS scale score obtained by the respondents was 18 (Q1=14, Q3=22, IQR=8, Min=8, Max=40). A mere 18.2% (n=73) of health users demonstrated a high level of e-Health literacy. The e-Health literacy was significantly associated with educational level (p<0.001, 1-β=1, ω=0.41), frequency of internet access (p<0.001, 1-β=1, ω=0.51), and autonomy in the use of digital technology (p<0.001, 1-β=1, ω=0.40). The e-Health literacy was most strongly associated with possession of a university education (OR=12.662, IC95%: 0.962-523.566), frequency of Internet access [(OR=2.520, IC95%: 1.190-5.490), (OR=5.992, IC95%: 2.848-13.157)], and digital technology skills (OR=2.847, IC95%: 1.218-7.109). Conclusions: Low e-Health literacy is widespread among primary care users. However, the frequency of Internet access and the digital competence of individuals are the key factors in increasing the level of e-Health literacy among patients.