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Published in: The European Journal of Health Economics 1/2019

Open Access 01-06-2019 | Original Paper

Psychometric properties of the Hungarian version of the eHealth Literacy Scale

Authors: Zsombor Zrubka, Ottó Hajdu, Fanni Rencz, Petra Baji, László Gulácsi, Márta Péntek

Published in: The European Journal of Health Economics | Special Issue 1/2019

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Abstract

Background

We adapted the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) for Hungary and tested its psychometric properties on a large representative online sample of the general population.

Methods

The Hungarian version of eHEALS was developed using forward–backward translation. For the valuation study, 1000 respondents were recruited in early 2019 from a large online panel by a survey company. We tested internal consistency, test–retest reliability and construct and criterion validity using classical test theory, as well as item characteristics using an item-response theory (IRT) graded response model (GRM).

Results

55% of respondents were female, and 22.1% were ≥ 65 years old. Mean eHEALS score was 29.2 (SD: 5.18). Internal consistency was good (Cronbach’s α = 0.90), and test–retest reliability was moderate (intraclass correlation r = 0.64). We identified a single-factor structure by exploratory factor analysis, explaining 85% of test variance. Essential criteria for GRM analysis were met. Items 3 and 4 (search of health resources) were the least difficult, followed by items 5 and 8 (utilisation of health information), and then items 1 and 2 (awareness of health resources). Items 6 and 7 (appraisal of health resources) were most difficult. The measurement properties of eHEALS were not affected by gender, age, education or income levels. Female gender, older age, intensity of health information seeking, formal health education and visit at the electronic health-record website were associated with higher eHEALS scores, as well as best and worst self-perceived health states, BMI < 25 and participation at health screenings over the past year.

Conclusions

The Hungarian eHEALS is a useful and valid tool for measuring subjective eHealth literacy.
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Metadata
Title
Psychometric properties of the Hungarian version of the eHealth Literacy Scale
Authors
Zsombor Zrubka
Ottó Hajdu
Fanni Rencz
Petra Baji
László Gulácsi
Márta Péntek
Publication date
01-06-2019
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
The European Journal of Health Economics / Issue Special Issue 1/2019
Print ISSN: 1618-7598
Electronic ISSN: 1618-7601
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10198-019-01062-1

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