Psychometric properties of the Hungarian version of the eHealth Literacy Scale

Zsombor Zrubka (), Ottó Hajdu, Fanni Rencz, Petra Baji, László Gulácsi and Márta Péntek
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Zsombor Zrubka: Corvinus University of Budapest
Ottó Hajdu: Eötvös Loránd University
Fanni Rencz: Corvinus University of Budapest
László Gulácsi: Corvinus University of Budapest
Márta Péntek: Corvinus University of Budapest

The European Journal of Health Economics, 2019, vol. 20, issue 1, No 6, 57-69

Abstract: 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

Keywords: eHEALS; eHealth literacy; Item-response theory; Validation; Hungary; EQ-5D-5L (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I10 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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DOI: 10.1007/s10198-019-01062-1

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