Digital Health Literacy in Elective Open-Heart Surgery Patients: Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Digital health solutions are increasingly important in health care, but their effective use depends on patients’ digital health literacy. Patients undergoing cardiac surgery may face barriers due to complex care needs and psychological challenges, potentially limiting access to digital health services.

Objective: To assess digital health literacy among patients scheduled for elective open-heart surgery and examine associations with sociodemographic factors and concurrent health issues.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among patients scheduled for elective open-heart surgery at 3 Danish university hospitals. Digital health literacy was assessed using the 8-item eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) and 2 additional questions on the importance and usefulness of online health information. Sociodemographic variables included age, gender, cohabitation status, social support, education, and number of concurrent health issues.

Results: Of 576 eligible patients, 313 (54.3%) completed the survey. The median eHEALS score was 30 (IQR 27-32), indicating generally high digital health literacy. Scores were negatively associated with age (?=-0.18; P=.002) and positively associated with educational level (P<.001). No significant associations were found for gender, cohabitation status, social support, or concurrent health issues. Patients reported lower confidence in evaluating the quality and relevance of online health information.

Conclusions: Patients scheduled for elective open-heart surgery generally reported high digital health literacy, though challenges remain in critically evaluating digital health information. Younger age and higher education were associated with higher literacy, highlighting the importance of identifying patients who may benefit from tailored support.

Keywords: cardiovascular diseases; computer literacy; elective surgical procedures; health communication; health literacy; questionnaires; sociodemographic factors; surveys; telemedicine; thoracic surgery.