An Investigation of the Level of E-health Literacy in South Africa

Abstract

E-health resources are widely used in the healthcare field, by health professionals, patients and the general public. However, to utilise e-health resources an individual needs to possess the basic e-health literacy skills that will enable them to process health information effectively. E-health literacy consists of six basic literacy skills namely tradi- tional and numeracy skills, computer, media, science, in-formation and health literacy skills that individuals need to possess in order to use e-health resources effectively. The concept of e-health literacy is a growing field of research worldwide but has lacked investigation in South Africa. This paper investigated the level of e-health literacy skills of South Africans. The study made use of a qualitative, inductive research approach and a structured literature review to identify the relevant academic studies that have been done in South Africa. Eleven studies were included in the final analysis. The study found that only parts of the e-health literacy skills have been investigated in South Africa, and it was concluded that South Africans have limited skills that enable them to seek health information independently. The study recommends that the lev-el of e-health literacy among South African be improved through education and awareness campaigns that highlight the importance of taking control of owns health in order to improve the health of all South Africans.