E-health literacy and influencing factors of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer patients: a latent profile analysis
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: E-health literacy is critical to driving healthy behaviors in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) patients. However, the underlying subgroups of e-health literacy in IVF-ET patients and their influencing factors are unclear. From July 2023 to January 2024, 1200 participants were recruited from a women’s and children’s hospital, using a convenience sampling method. The participants completed the E-health Literacy Scale, the General Self-efficacy Scale and the General Demographic Information Questionnaire. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) with Mplus 8.0 identified potential e-health literacy categories in IVF-ET patients. Group differences were analyzed using chi-square tests or one-way ANOVA in SPSS 25.0. Multiple logistic regression (SPSS 25.0) explored factors associated with e-health literacy. A total of 1074 valid questionnaires were included. Three potential categories were revealed, namely “low e-health literacy group” (N = 455, 42.4%), “medium e-health literacy group” (N = 505, 47.0%), and “high e-health literacy group” (N = 114, 10.6%). Multivariate logistic regression showed that interest in electronic health information search (β = 1.882, P = 0.005, OR = 6.565, 95% CI: 1.741–24.748), attitude toward electronic health information (β = 3.088, P < 0.001, OR = 21.929, 95% CI: 4.599–104.555), lack of access to electronic health information (β = -3.376, P = 0.002, OR = 0.034, 95% CI: 0.004–0.298), and self-efficacy (β = 0.341, P < 0.001, OR = 1.406, 95% CI: 1.332–1.484) were significant predictors of higher e-health literacy in IVF-ET patients. The e-health literacy level among IVF-ET patients requires further enhancement. This can be achieved by fostering patients’ interest and positive attitudes toward seeking e-health information and strengthening their self-efficacy. Such strategies not only elevate e-health literacy but also enhance patients’ capacity to utilize e-health services effectively, ultimately contributing to improved reproductive health outcomes. In the context of the swift digital transformation of global healthcare, e-health literacy plays a vital role in fostering healthy behaviors among in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) patients. Nevertheless, the latent subgroups of e-health literacy within this patient population and their influencing factors remain elusive.To address this, we surveyed 1074 IVF-ET patients at a women’s and children’s hospital, the first such study in mainland China. Our research identified three distinct latent profile categories of e-health literacy. We found that IVF-ET patients generally had low e-health literacy and self-efficacy, with notable individual differences. Key factors influencing e-health literacy included interest in e-health information, attitude towards it, access methods, and self-efficacy. Consequently, enhancing e-health literacy in these patients is essential. Our findings assist healthcare providers in identifying high-risk subgroups, offering valuable insights for clinical practice and guiding interventions to improve patients’ e-health and reproductive health.
Source: Reproductive Health
Authors: Lidan Xu, Tingting Guo, Fangfang Chen, Ya Ma, Yuying Yan
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,290
OpenAlex ID: W4413827307