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Determinants of Digital Health Literacy: International Cross-Sectional Study
Connor S Qiu1, Tetiana Lunova2, Geva Greenfield1
1Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
Journal of Medical Internet Research
|June 30, 2025
Summary
Digital health literacy varies significantly by age, health status, and country. Older adults and those with poorer health require targeted educational programs to improve their digital health literacy and access to health technologies.
Area of Science:
- Digital Health
- Health Equity
- Health Literacy Measurement
Background:
- Digital health literacy is crucial for leveraging digital tools for health.
- Understanding variations in digital health literacy is key to improving health equity.
- Determinants of digital health literacy remain underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess digital health literacy levels in the UK, Sweden, Italy, and Germany.
- To explore associations between digital health literacy and demographics.
- To examine the relationship between digital health literacy and self-perceived health status.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional online survey conducted in December 2020.
- Utilized the validated eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) for digital health literacy assessment.
- Multivariable linear regression analyzed associations with demographic and health status variables.
Main Results:
- Mean eHEALS score was 29.2 (SD 6.8) across 6331 participants.
- Older age (55+) and poorer health status were associated with lower digital health literacy.
- Higher digital health literacy was observed in the UK and Sweden compared to Germany.
Conclusions:
- Significant variations in digital health literacy exist based on age, health status, and country.
- Targeted educational interventions are needed for older adults and individuals with poorer health.
- Policies promoting accessible digital health solutions are essential for health equity.
Keywords:
cross-sectionalcross-sectional studiesdeterminants of digital health literacydigital determinants of healthdigital healthdigital health literacydigital literacyeHealtheHealth Literacy Scalehealth equityhealth literacylinear regression analysismultivariable linear regression analysisonline survey
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