Associations of electronic health literacy with related factors in individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer: a cross-sectional analysis

Objective This study aims to assess the current level of electronic health literacy (eHL) among individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) and to identify associated factors that may inform the development of targeted interventions to support patient-centered health management. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 258 individuals with CRC, recruited using a convenience sampling method from a Class A tertiary hospital in Jiangsu Province, China. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, the Chinese version of the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and the European Quality of Life Five-Dimensions Questionnaire (EQ-5D). Univariate analyses and multiple linear regression were conducted to explore factors associated with eHL. Results The mean eHEALS score was 19.71 ± 8.97, indicating a generally low level of eHL among participants. Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated significant positive correlations between eHL and scores on the GSES, MSPSS, and EQ-5D ( p < 0.01). Multiple stepwise linear regression identified higher educational attainment, unmarried status, cohabitation with friends, presence of two or more chronic comorbidities, GSES scores, and EQ-5D scores as significant predictors of eHL ( R 2 = 0.658, F = 59.78, p < 0.05). Conclusion eHL remains suboptimal among individuals with CRC in China. Interventions should focus on populations at elevated risk of low eHL, with an emphasis on enhancing self-efficacy and improving health-related quality of life to facilitate more effective engagement with electronic health resources and improve clinical outcomes.