| Abstract: |
The rapid proliferation of digital health technologies has transformed chronic disease management; however, their effectiveness largely depends on patients’ digital health literacy. This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between digital health literacy and self-management behaviors among chronic disease patients. A total of 384 participants with diabetes and hypertension were recruited from tertiary care hospitals using stratified random sampling. Digital health literacy was assessed using the eHealth Literacy Scale, while self-management behaviors were measured using the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities scale and the Hypertension Self-Care Profile.
Results indicated moderate digital health literacy levels (M = 27.45, SD = 6.12) and showed significant positive correlations between digital health literacy and self-management behaviors (r = 0.542, p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis further demonstrated that higher digital health literacy predicted better medication adherence (β = 0.438, p < 0.001) and improved self-monitoring practices (β = 0.395, p < 0.001).
Overall, the findings emphasize the critical role of digital health literacy in enhancing chronic disease self-management and highlight the need for targeted interventions aimed at strengthening digital health competencies among patients. |
