Digital Health Readiness Comparison for Empowering Vulnerable Populations: A Path Toward Digital Health Equity

This study serves as foundational research to promote health equity and bridge the digital divide by examining the digital health readiness of various vulnerable populations. To comprehensively compare disease and age factors, the study included adults and pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-classified as a chronic disease in Korea-along with healthy older adults and older adults with illnesses. Using the Mobile-centered Digital Health Readiness (Health Literacy and Equity Scale, mDiHERS), data from 173 participants were analyzed. Results showed that IBD patients (adults and pediatric) demonstrated relatively higher digital health readiness than older adult groups. In contrast, older adults with illnesses scored particularly low in mobile service capability and mobile health literacy (mHealth literacy). These findings underscore the unique challenges individuals face at the intersection of disease and age-related vulnerabilities. Specifically, for those with intersecting risk factors, the results highlight the need for more focused efforts to address their unique barriers, improve access to digital health tools, and develop tailored digital health strategies to advance health equity.