Health and digital literacy in UK patients with head and neck cancer

Objective: Adequate health literacy is a predictor of improved health outcomes and quality of life. Digital literacy has been termed a super-determinate of health. This study explored the level of health literacy, device ownership and digital literacy in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Methods: Two hundred patients with HNC who had completed curative treatment completed the Brief Health Literacy Screen (BHLS), questions about device ownership and their ability to perform digital tasks. Demographic and clinical data was obtained from patients’ e-record. Results: Around a third of respondents had limited or marginal health literacy. Access to devices was significantly associated with age, but not deprivation. Digital literacy was significantly associated with increasing age and deprivation. Conclusion: Initiatives driving greater adoption of digital interventions in the health service need to be cognisant of the considerable number of patients who currently do not have the digital skills required for effective participation.