E-health literacy and attitudes toward internet health information in relation to self-care adherence among Korean patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Self-care adherence is crucial for COPD management, yet rates remain at 40%. E-health literacy and attitudes toward internet health information may influence self-care behaviors, but their associations with specific self-care components are unclear. Aims: To examine associations between e-health literacy, attitudes toward internet health information, and self-care adherence components (maintenance, monitoring, management) in COPD patients. Methods: This cross-sectional correlational study included 110 COPD patients recruited from a university hospital in the Republic of Korea. Participants completed validated instruments measuring e-health literacy, attitudes toward internet health information, and self-care adherence. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and stepwise multiple regression. Results: Mean e-health literacy scores were 3.41 ± 0.74 (out of 5). Self-care adherence scores were 62.36 ± 17.39 (maintenance), 61.14 ± 24.07 (monitoring), and 56.12 ± 23.32 (management) out of 100. E-health literacy correlated with all self-care components (r =.46–0.59, p