Work

The eHealth literacy scale (eHEALS) adaptation for use among the Bulgarian population: Language and cultural aspects

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Digitalization and eHealth literacy are closely interconnected, as digital transformation in healthcare changes the way people access, understand, evaluate, and use online health information. In recent years, a validated instrument has been widely used to assess and measure these changes: the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS). The aim of this study was to culturally and linguistically adapt the eHEALS questionnaire for use in the Bulgarian population. The study sample included 157 women (53%) and 140 men (47%). Most had completed higher education (68%), were employed (83%), and reported no chronic conditions (72%). The internal consistency of the Bulgarian version of the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) instrument was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha. The 8-item version showed an alpha of 0.955, while the 10-item version achieved 0.938, demonstrating excellent reliability for both versions. In line with commonly accepted standards, alpha coefficients exceeding 0.90 indicate outstanding internal consistency, confirming that both scale formats are reliable tools for use in the Bulgarian population.

Source: Pharmacia

DOI: 10.3897/pharmacia.73.e187324

Authors: Magdalena Pesheva, Anna Todorova, Galina Petrova, Evgeni Grigorov

Institution: Medical University of Varna

Language: English

Topic: Health Literacy and Information Accessibility

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $107