Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: eHealth literacy (eHL) is an important skill enabling individuals to access, evaluate and use electronic health information for informed decision making. Despite the growing use of digital health platforms globally, its status among dental patients in developing countries like Rwanda seems underexplored. Objectives: To assess eHealth literacy among dental patients attending the University of Rwanda polyclinic. Methods: A cross-section survey was conducted among 306 dental patients attending University of Rwanda Polyclinic. Data were collected using the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS), an 8-item questionnaire measuring self-reported eHL skills. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including t-test and ANOVA were used for data analysis. Results: Dental patients had moderate eHL with a mean score of 30.84±4.71. Significant score differences (p < 0.05) were observed by age, where adults of 48-57 scored 32.47±1.92 higher than those in other age groups, by gender, with males scoring 31.52±4.01 higher than females, and by residence with a score of 32.71±4.50 higher in rural residents. Conclusion: eHL prays a key role in improving oral health outcomes. Participants showed moderate eHL, though disparities exist among females, urban residents and older populations. Enhancing eHL can boost awareness, prevention and informed dental care decisions.
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4414015187