Three-Factor Structure of the eHealth Literacy Scale Among Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Computed Tomography Outpatients: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis

• DOI: 10.2196/humanfactors.9039
• Publication Date: 2018-02-19T09:00:30Z
• Authors: Lisa L Hyde; Allison W Boyes; Tiffany-Jane Evans; Lisa J Mackenzie; Rob Sanson-Fisher
• Keywords: eHealth

Electronic health (eHealth) literacy is needed to effectively engage with Web-based resources. The 8-item eHealth scale (eHEALS) a commonly used self-report measure of literacy. Accumulated evidence has suggested that the eHEALS unidimensional. However, recent study by Sudbury-Riley and colleagues theoretically-informed three-factor model fit better than one-factor model. 3 factors identified were awareness (2 items), skills (3 evaluate items). It important determine whether these findings can be replicated in other populations.The aim this cross-sectional was verify structure among magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) computed tomography (CT) medical outpatients.MRI CT outpatients recruited consecutively waiting room one major public hospital. Participants self-completed touchscreen computer survey, assessing their sociodemographic, scan, internet use characteristics. administered users, tested using structural equation modeling.Of 405 invited patients, 87.4% (354/405) interested participating study, these, 75.7% (268/354) eligible. Of eligible participants, 95.5% (256/268) completed all items. Factor loadings 0.80 0.94 statistically significant (P<.001). All reliability measures acceptable (indicator reliability: awareness=.71-.89, skills=.78-.80, evaluate=.64-.79; composite awareness=.89, skills=.92, evaluate=.89; variance extracted estimates: awareness=.80, skills=.79, evaluate=.72). Two out three goodness-of-fit indices adequate (standardized root mean square residual (SRMR)=.038; comparative index (CFI)=.944; error approximation (RMSEA)=.156). Item removed because its correlation item 2 (Lagrange multiplier [LM] estimate 104.02; P<.001) high loading on (LM 91.11; P<.001). resulting 7-item indicated goodness (χ211=11.3; SRMR=.013; CFI=.999; RMSEA=.011).The supported sample MRI outpatients. Although further factorial validation studies are needed, may identify individuals who could benefit from interventions improve awareness, skill, evaluation competencies.