The Relationship Between E-Health Literacy, Anxiety, Depression, and Self-Efficacy in Patients with Chronic Stroke

Abstract

Purpose: Due to the chronic nature of the disease, timely and accurate access to information can be crucial for stroke patients to effectively manage their condition. As a result of the digital age, searching for information from online sources has become quite popular. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between e-health literacy, anxiety, depression, and stroke self-efficacy in chronic stroke patients. Method: The study included 100 participants with an average age of 62.05±10.24 years. Of the participants, sixty-four were male and thirty-six were female. Participants' e-health literacy levels were assessed with the E-Health Literacy Scale, symptoms of anxiety and depression were assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and patient self-efficacy was assessed with Stroke Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (SSEQ). Results: E-Health Literacy Scale was negatively correlated with the HADS depression subscale (r= -0.294, p= 0.003) and total HADS scores (r= -0.293, p= 0.003). There was a significant positive relationship with the SSEQ (r= 0.417, p< 0.001). According to multiple regression analysis, age (β= -0.183, p= 0.033), educational status (β= 0.393, p< 0.001), and self-efficacy (β=0.263, p=0.007) were significant predictors of e-health literacy. In contrast, gender, anxiety, and depression scores were not significant predictors (p˃0.05). Discussion: In conclusion, low e-health literacy levels in chronic stroke patients may be associated with higher depression levels and lower self-efficacy. Therefore, programs aimed at improving e-health literacy in patients with chronic may have positive effects on disease management and psychosocial well-being.

Keywords

• Anxiety
• Depression
• E-Health Literacy
• Self-Efficacy
• Stroke

References

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