Health Literacy and Global Cognitive Function Predict E-Mail but Not Internet Use in Heart Failure Patients. (24th October 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schprechman, Jared P.; Gathright, Emily C.; Goldstein, Carly M.; Guerini, Kate A.; Dolansky, Mary A.; Redle, Joseph; Hughes, Joel W.
• Other Names: Dickson Victoria Vaughan Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Nursing research and practice. Volume 2013(2013)
• Publication Date: 2013-10-24
• Subjects: Nursing -- Research -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Periodicals; Evidence-based nursing -- Periodicals; 610.73072
• DOI: 10.1155/2013/507910
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-1429

Abstract

Abstract : Background . The internet offers a potential for improving patient knowledge, and e-mail may be used in patient communication with providers. However, barriers to internet and e-mail use, such as low health literacy and cognitive impairment, may prevent patients from using technological resources. Purpose . We investigated whether health literacy, heart failure knowledge, and cognitive function were related to internet and e-mail use in older adults with heart failure (HF). Methods . Older adults (N = 119 ) with heart failure (69.84 ± 9.09 years) completed measures of health literacy, heart failure knowledge, cognitive functioning, and internet use in a cross-sectional study. Results . Internet and e-mail use were reported in 78.2% and 71.4% of this sample of patients with HF, respectively. Controlling for age and education, logistic regression analyses indicated that higher health literacy predicted e-mail (P < .05 ) but not internet use. Global cognitive function predicted e-mail (P < .05 ) but not internet use. Only 45% used the Internet to obtain information on HF and internet use was not associated with greater HF knowledge. Conclusions . The majority of HF patients use the internet and e-mail, but poor health literacy and cognitive impairment may prevent some patients from accessing these resources. Future studies that examine specific internet and email interventions to increase HF knowledge are needed.