Correlation analysis of electronic health literacy, compliance behavior, and quality of life in middle-aged and older patients with coronary heart disease: a cross-sectional study

Introduction The health status and quality of life (QOL) of middle-aged and older patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) are significantly influenced by adherence to medical advice. In the digital age, electronic health literacy (eHL) is increasingly recognized as a crucial factor affecting compliance behavior and QOL; however, research on the relationship between eHL, compliance behavior, and QOL in CHD patients is limited. This study aimed to explore these correlations among middle-aged and older CHD patients and identify strategies to enhance eHL for better health outcomes. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to September 2024 at two tertiary hospitals in Nanyang and Ningbo, China. Participants completed the eHEALS, Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8, a non-medication adherence questionnaire for secondary prevention in CHD, and the Seattle Angina Questionnaire. Categorical variables are presented as frequencies and percentages, and continuous variables are expressed as medians with interquartile ranges (IQR); Correlations were analysed via Spearman tests; regression models assessed the impact of demographic factors. Results Among the 594 participants, 341 were male and 253 females. The median eHL score was 21; medication and non-medication compliance scores were 5.5 and 8, respectively; average QOL scores were 47.73. eHL was significantly and positively correlated with medication compliance ( r = 0.397**, p < 0.001), non-medication compliance ( r = 0.337**, p < 0.001), and QOL ( r = 0.539**, p < 0.001). Discussion Middle-aged and older CHD patients show low eHL, poor adherence, and moderate QOL. The findings of this study indicate the positive correlation between eHL, compliance behavior and QOL in middle-aged and older adults with CHD. These findings indicate that enhancing eHL can improve self-management and treatment adherence, thereby enhancing their overall QOL. Therefore, we recommend that medical institutions implement tailored intervention strategies for different patient groups to provide personalized health guidance aimed at comprehensively managing risk factors and promoting physical well-being.