The mediating role of self-care in the relationship between eHealth literacy and quality of life among adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

Authors

Afsaneh Ranaei, Elaheh Lael-Monfared, Nooshin Peyman

Published in

BMC pediatrics. Jun 22, 2026. Epub Jun 22, 2026.

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes is a common chronic disease in adolescents, requiring continuous self-care and attention to quality of life. With the rise of digital health technologies, eHealth literacy may play a key role in promoting self-care behaviors and well-being. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between eHealth literacy, self-care behaviors, and quality of life in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.
In this descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study, 250 adolescents with type 1 diabetes completed validated questionnaires assessing Electronic Health Literacy (eHEALS), diabetes-specific self-care behaviors (SMOD-A), and health-related quality of life (Diabetes Quality of Life for Youth [DQOLY]). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman's correlation, and multiple linear regression.
Participants (mean age = 14.36 years; 54.8% male) mostly had low eHealth literacy (81.2%). eHealth literacy correlated positively with self-care (r = 0.43) and quality of life (r = 0.36), while self-care was strongly related to quality of life (r = 0.51; p < 0.01). Regression models explained 35% of the variance in self-care and 29% in quality of life. Mediation analysis confirmed a significant indirect effect of eHealth literacy on quality of life through self-care behaviors (β = 0.219, p < 0.05).
Enhancing eHealth literacy plays a key role in improving self-care behaviors among adolescents with type 1 diabetes, which is directly associated with better quality of life. The findings of this study clearly highlight the importance of promoting eHealth literacy as an essential component of targeted, technology-based educational interventions to improve diabetes management in this age group.

PMID:
42324514
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 22 Jun 2026.

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