EHealth Literacy in Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review

Objective: This systematic review (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022226375) aimed to identify the eHealth literacy of men with prostate cancer, and their caregivers.

Methods: 8 databases (MEDLINE, SCOPUS, EMBASE, Web Of Science, PsycINFO, ERIC, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL) and grey literature sources (e.g. Google Scholar) were searched from inception to December 2023. Articles were included if assessing eHealth/digital literacy of men with prostate cancer, or their carers', and health outcome associations. Formats such as case reports, and review papers were excluded. Records and full texts underwent independent screening and data extraction. Author disagreements were resolved by discussion. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to appraise included literature, with narrative synthesis of results.

Results: 21,581 records were retrieved, with 7 articles satisfying inclusion criteria. A heterogenous field was characterised with lack of modern eHealth literacy measurement tools identified. Results suggest novice eHealth literacy using web 1.0 technologies. Non-validated measures of literacy demonstrate mixed results, while health outcome effects limited in scope and reliability.

Conclusion: Prostate cancer survivors' eHealth literacy levels is likely novice, and requires further investigation.

Practice Implications: Digital technologies/resources implemented as part of patient communication practices should be vetted for quality, and tailored to patients' eHealth literacy abilities and/or needs.