eHealth Literacy among Adult Dental Patients Attending the University of Rwanda Polyclinic

BackgroundeHealth literacy (eHL) is an important skill enabling individuals to access, evaluate and use electronic health information for informed decision making. Despite the growing use of digital health platforms globally, its status among dental patients in developing countries like Rwanda seems underexplored.ObjectivesTo assess eHealth literacy among dental patients attending the University of Rwanda polyclinic.MethodsA cross-section survey was conducted among 306 dental patients attending University of Rwanda Polyclinic. Data were collected using the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS), an 8-item questionnaire measuring self-reported eHL skills. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including t-test and ANOVA were used for data analysis.ResultsDental patients had moderate eHL with a mean score of 30.84±4.71. Significant score differences (p < 0.05) were observed by age, where adults of 48-57 scored 32.47±1.92 higher than those in other age groups, by gender, with males scoring 31.52±4.01 higher than females, and by residence with a score of 32.71±4.50 higher in rural residents.ConclusioneHL prays a key role in improving oral health outcomes. Participants showed moderate eHL, though disparities exist among females, urban residents and older populations. Enhancing eHL can boost awareness, prevention and informed dental care decisions.Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2025;8(2):306-319