Understanding eHealth Literacy From a Privacy Perspective: eHealth Literacy and Digital Privacy Skills in American Disadvantaged Communities

Abstract

Despite the importance of eHealth literacy in the eHealth domain, studies on the antecedents of eHealth literacy, especially through a privacy lens, are still limited. Using a door-to-door paper-and-pencil household census of public housing communities in a major American city, this study examines how eHealth literacy varies by digital privacy skills that go beyond frequency of Internet activities among members of such disadvantaged communities. Results show that proficiency in digital privacy skills plays a positive and direct role in influencing levels of eHealth literacy. In addition, proficiency in digital privacy skills mediates the positive relationship between frequency of Internet activities and levels of eHealth literacy. This study offers a refined understanding of eHealth literacy from a privacy perspective.