Background: Preoperative anxiety (PA) is a common condition that can negatively affect surgical outcomes. As digital health resources become more integrated into patient care, e-health literacy (eHL) is gaining importance as a determinant of surgical readiness and emotional well-being. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between eHL and PA in patients undergoing elective gynecologic surgery. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary hospital between June and November 2024. Patients scheduled for elective gynecologic surgery were included. Participants completed the sociodemographic form, eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I and STAI-II) during their preoperative anesthesia consultation. Results: A total of 325 patients scheduled for elective gynecologic surgery were included. The mean eHEALS score was 35.1 ± 8.4, with 47.7% of patients classified as having high eHL. Patients with higher eHL were significantly younger ( P < 0.05), had lower BMI ( P < 0.05), and had higher educational attainment ( P < 0.05). High eHL was associated with lower state anxiety scores (38.3 ± 8.6 vs. 47.2 ± 7.7, P < 0.05) and trait anxiety scores (42.2 ± 7.7 vs. 49.4 ± 8.2, P < 0.05). Patients with higher eHL reported lower postoperative pain scores and were more likely to perceive themselves as well-informed about their surgery ( P < 0.05). Conclusions: Higher eHL is significantly associated with lower PA in patients undergoing gynecologic surgery. These findings highlight the importance of digital health competencies in surgical preparedness.
Yediyıldız et al. (Wed,) studied this question.