eHealth literacy and internet use for health information: a study in Swedish primary healthcare

Background: Primary healthcare (PHC) is facing significant challenges in Sweden and around the world. One way to address such challenges is through health-related Internet information (HRII) and other eHealth services, which are resources for high-quality, accessible and cost-effective care. Such re­sources have been found to assist in improving individual health, especially for people with chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes. More specifically, eHealth services may play an important role in increasing patients’ knowledge, engagement and autonomy in health management, as well as enhancing their self-care practices. However, patients must have adequate capabilities – collectively known as eHealth literacy (eHL) – in order to use eHealth services effectively. Aim: The overall aim of this thesis was to explore eHL and HRII use in the context of Swedish PHC. Methods: Data collection for paper I was conducted through individual interviews with PHNs, which were then analysed using qualitative content analysis. Paper II involved patients with type 2 diabetes who were interviewed individually or responded to open-ended survey questions; the data were analysed using thematic analysis. In paper III, which was a translation and validation study, the data consisted of cognitive interviews and questionnaires predominantly answered by PHC visitors, and employed psychometric analysis methods. The same data from PHC visitors were used in paper IV, in which descriptive and comparative statistics and logistic regression analyses were employed. Results: In paper I, the interviewed PHNs expressed mixed feelings regarding consultations with Internet-informed patients. While they recognised benefits such as increased patient engagement and the support of self-care, their responses focused on the challenges they encountered. These challenges included patient confusion and unwarranted anxiety stemming from HRII, as well as conflicted, time-consuming and unnecessary healthcare consultations. In paper II, patients with type 2 diabetes outlined their challenges associated with online COVID-19 information, which encompassed information overload, conflicting content and notable emotional impact. They described employing diverse coping strategies to address these challenges, including restricting their information consumption, relying on authoritative sources, actively evaluating source credibility, engaging in discussions with others and applying common sense. In paper III,