Variations in digital health literacy for pediatric caregivers of hospitalized children: implications for digital health equity

Abstract

Objectives: We sought to assess whether race, ethnicity, and preferred language were associated with digital health literacy in pediatric caregivers.

Materials and methods: We used linear regression to measure associations between 3 eHealth Literacy Questionnaire (eHLQ) domains (score range: 1-4) and demographic characteristics.

Results: Non-Latinx White respondents (n = 230) had highest adjusted mean eHLQ scores: 3.44 (95% confidence interval: 3.36-3.52) in "Ability to engage," 3.39 (3.31 to 3.47) in "Feel safe and in control," and 3.34 (3.25 to 3.41) in "Motivated." By contrast, Spanish-preferring Latinx respondents (n = 246) had lower adjusted mean scores across all 3 eHLQ domains: 2.97 (P < .0001), 3.21 (P = .004), and 3.19 (P = .033), respectively.

Discussion: Our study contributes insights in variations across ethnoracial and language preference groups by different eHLQ domains, with implications for addressing digital health inequities.

Conclusion: Digital health literacy was lower in Spanish-preferring Latinx pediatric caregivers compared to non-Latinx White caregivers across 3 eHLQ domains. It was lower than English-preferring Latinx caregivers in "Ability."

Keywords: digital health literacy; eHLQ; electronic health literacy.