Volume 12, Issue 3 (spring 2026)
IJRN 2026, 12(3): 0-0 |
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Ghasemi S, Rahgoi A, Hoseinabadifarahani M, Vahedi M. Investigating the relationship between e-health literacy and self-care ability in systemic lupus erythematosus patients referring to rheumatology clinics of hospitals of universities of medical sciences in Tehran, in 2025.. IJRN 2026; 12 (3) : 2
URL: http://ijrn.ir/article-1-976-en.html
URL: http://ijrn.ir/article-1-976-en.html
Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran. J.Hoseinabadi@gmail.com
Abstract: (25 Views)
Introduction: Self-care ability is one of the most important factors in controlling chronic diseases, particularly in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Identifying the predictors of self-care is therefore a key priority for both clinical care and research in this population. It has become increasingly relevant given recent advances in science, technology, and access to health resources. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between e-health literacy and self-care ability in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus referred to rheumatology clinics of medical sciences hospitals in Tehran in 2025.
Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on patients with SLE referred to rheumatology clinics of medical sciences hospitals in Tehran. Using convenience sampling, 240 patients with a definitive diagnosis of SLE according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria, confirmed by a specialist physician, were enrolled. Eligibility criteria also included access to the Internet and a smartphone, as well as willingness to participate and provision of informed consent. Data were collected using a demographic information questionnaire, an e-health literacy questionnaire, and a self-care ability questionnaire originally developed for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The latter was used due to similarities between the two diseases in their autoimmune nature and prognosis, and the absence of a lupus-specific instrument. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 with descriptive and inferential statistical tests.
Results: Most participants were female (75.4%), married (66.7%), had a high school diploma (37.9%), and were housewives (57.5%). The mean e-health literacy score was low (23.37±6.62), whereas the mean self-care ability score was high (193.65±26.00). A direct and significant relationship was found between e-health literacy and self-care ability in patients with SLE (r=0.322, P<0.001); for each one-unit increase in e-health literacy, self-care ability increased by 1.76 units.
Conclusion: A direct, significant relationship exists between e-health literacy and self-care ability in patients with SLE. The findings of this study may help improve patient self-care, provide a foundation for future research, inform the design of effective interventions, and support the development of health policies. It is recommended that health planners place greater emphasis on improving patients' health literacy to promote self-care behaviors and reduce associated healthcare costs.
Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on patients with SLE referred to rheumatology clinics of medical sciences hospitals in Tehran. Using convenience sampling, 240 patients with a definitive diagnosis of SLE according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria, confirmed by a specialist physician, were enrolled. Eligibility criteria also included access to the Internet and a smartphone, as well as willingness to participate and provision of informed consent. Data were collected using a demographic information questionnaire, an e-health literacy questionnaire, and a self-care ability questionnaire originally developed for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The latter was used due to similarities between the two diseases in their autoimmune nature and prognosis, and the absence of a lupus-specific instrument. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 with descriptive and inferential statistical tests.
Results: Most participants were female (75.4%), married (66.7%), had a high school diploma (37.9%), and were housewives (57.5%). The mean e-health literacy score was low (23.37±6.62), whereas the mean self-care ability score was high (193.65±26.00). A direct and significant relationship was found between e-health literacy and self-care ability in patients with SLE (r=0.322, P<0.001); for each one-unit increase in e-health literacy, self-care ability increased by 1.76 units.
Conclusion: A direct, significant relationship exists between e-health literacy and self-care ability in patients with SLE. The findings of this study may help improve patient self-care, provide a foundation for future research, inform the design of effective interventions, and support the development of health policies. It is recommended that health planners place greater emphasis on improving patients' health literacy to promote self-care behaviors and reduce associated healthcare costs.
Article number: 2
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Rehabilitation Nursing
Received: 2025/09/1 | Accepted: 2026/03/17 | Published: 2026/06/19
Received: 2025/09/1 | Accepted: 2026/03/17 | Published: 2026/06/19
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