Predictors affecting personal health information management skills

Objectives: This study investigated major factors affecting personal health records (PHRs) management skills associated with survey respondents' health information management related activities. Methods: A self-report survey was used to assess individuals' personal characteristics, health knowledge, PHR skills, and activities. Factors underlying respondents' current PHR-related activities were derived using principal component analysis (PCA). Scale scores were calculated based on the results of the PCA, and hierarchical linear regression analyses were used to identify respondent characteristics associated with the scale scores. Internal consistency of the derived scale scores was assessed with Cronbach's alpha. Results: Among personal health information activities surveyed (N = 578 respondents), the four extracted factors were subsequently grouped and labeled as: collecting skills (Cronbach's alpha = 0.906), searching skills (Cronbach's alpha = 0.837), sharing skills (Cronbach's alpha = 0.763), and implementing skills (Cronbach's alpha = 0.908). In the hierarchical regression analyses, education and computer knowledge significantly increased the explanatory power of the models. Health knowledge (beta = 0.25, p < 0.001) emerged as a positive predictor of PHR collecting skills. Conclusions: This study confirmed that PHR training and learning should consider a full spectrum of information management skills including collection, utilization and distribution to support patients' care and prevention continua.