Health Literacy

An Open Access article published in the Health Behavior and Policy Review Journal.

Authors:

Wulan Suciska, SIKom, MSi
Hartoyo
Anna Gustina Zainal, SSos, MSi

Objective:

We compared the ehealth literacy levels of 15 districts/cities in Lampung Province using the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS).

Methods:

We used a purposive sampling technique to obtain 513 respondents representing 15 regencies/municipalities in Lampung Province. We collected primary data through a digital questionnaire with a Likert scale using Google Forms. Data analysis was performed using SPSS.

Results:

The overall mean score for eHealth literacy was 30.4, indicating that respondents in this study had adequate eHealth literacy, except for Lampung Timur Regency, which is categorized as having low eHealth literacy.

Conclusions:

This eHealth literacy mean score is on the positive end of the continuum, indicating that respondents in this study have a moderate perceived level of eHealth literacy. However, upon closer examination, differences emerge between regencies and municipalities, as well as between rural and urban communities. A government commitment to create a program for equitable Internet access and better Internet literacy skills may make for more equitable eHealth literacy.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 12, Number 6, December 2025, pp. 12-22(11)
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.12.6.2

An Open Access article published in the Health Behavior and Policy Review Journal.

Authors:

Sandra D. Vamos, EdD
Michelle E. Vine, PhD, CE
Ian D. Gordon, MLS, MEd
Domenic F. Alaimo, MPH

Objective:

Our objective was to explore the influence of health literacy on patient-physician communication.

Methods:

We conducted a scoping review of academic papers using PRISMA guidelines and guidance from the Joanna Briggs Institute. We explored health literacy competencies in studies by examining methods used to evaluate the effectiveness of patient-physician communication and identifying barriers and facilitators to communication in the broader context of relevant health literacy domains.

Results:

In total, we identified 51 papers that met inclusion criteria. Barriers to effective patient-physician communication were physicians’ lack of understanding of patients’ health literacy capacity, changes in healthcare delivery (time constraints and transforming technology due to COVID-19), and language barriers. Facilitators to communication included patient health literacy level, patient trust in the patient-physician relationship leading to decision-making, telehealth/digital health services, health literacy tools, and patient education materials.

Conclusions:

Future research, policy, and practice should aim for comprehensive assessment of all health literacy domains crucial for patient-physician communication. Delineating health literacy competencies is essential given increasing emphasis on technological resources in healthcare, culturally and linguistically appropriate care in multicultural societies, and addressing service backlogs precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings may inform educational programs focused on health literacy.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 11, Number 4, August 2024, pp. 1624-1654(31)
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.11.4.2