Three-factor structure of the ehealth literacy scale among magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography outpatients: A confirmatory factor analysis

Abstract

Background: Electronic health (eHealth) literacy is needed to effectively engage with Web-based health resources. The 8-item eHealth literacy scale (eHEALS) is a commonly used self-report measure of eHealth literacy. Accumulated evidence has suggested that the eHEALS is unidimensional. However, a recent study by Sudbury-Riley and colleagues suggested that a theoretically-informed three-factor model fit better than a one-factor model. The 3 factors identified were awareness (2 items), skills (3 items), and evaluate (3 items). It is important to determine whether these findings can be replicated in other populations. Objective: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to verify the three-factor eHEALS structure among magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) medical imaging outpatients. Methods: MRI and CT outpatients were recruited consecutively in the waiting room of one major public hospital. Participants self-completed a touchscreen computer survey, assessing their sociodemographic, scan, and internet use characteristics. The eHEALS was administered to internet users, and the three-factor structure was tested using structural equation modeling. Results: Of 405 invited patients, 87.4% (354/405) were interested in participating in the study, and of these, 75.7% (268/354) were eligible. Of the eligible participants, 95.5% (256/268) completed all eHEALS items. Factor loadings were 0.80 to 0.94 and statistically significant (P