Open AccesseHealth and Health Literacy: A Research Methodology Review
Author(s) -
Mackert Michael,
Champlin Sara E.,
Holton Avery,
Muñoz Isaac I.,
Damásio Manuel José
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of computer‐mediated communication
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.15
H-Index - 119
ISSN - 1083-6101
DOI - 10.1111/jcc4.12044
Subject(s) - health literacy , clarity , ehealth , literacy , work (physics) , field (mathematics) , health communication , psychology , public relations , medical education , computer science , management science , data science , medicine , health care , political science , engineering , pedagogy , mechanical engineering , biochemistry , chemistry , mathematics , pure mathematics , law
Abstract The development of e‐health may provide powerful tools to improve health, but users' health literacy plays a role in their ability to make the most of e‐health applications. This study reviewed research focused on e‐health and health literacy, using content analysis to assess 95 articles from 2000 to 2010 to provide an overview of work done in this emerging field. Articles were coded for use of theory, research methods, and clarity of reporting study results. Findings indicate a lack of theory‐driven design and evaluation of e‐health applications, low use of established general health literacy measures, and interdisciplinary work with somewhat limited contributions by communication scholars. Implications for advancing this field of research are discussed .