What do we talk about when we talk about digital determinants of health? - A systematic review

Digital determinants of health (DDoH) are a recently articulated category of health determinants. While research on digitalisation and health has grown rapidly, DDoH remain relatively understudied as a distinct concept. Understanding how DDoH are defined, which components are recognised, and how they relate to other determinants of health (e.g., social, political, and commercial) is essential for guiding research, informing public health interventions, supporting education, influencing policy, and promoting health equity. This study aimed to examine how academic publications define DDoH, which components are identified, and how relationships with other determinants of health are characterised.

We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Scopus, PubMed, and EBSCOhost were searched for publications up to 2 September, 2025, using predefined keywords related to DDoH. Reference lists and targeted Google Scholar searches were also screened. Extracted data were analysed thematically and organised into themes and overarching domains.

Of 225 records identified, 65 met inclusion criteria. A definition of DDoH was provided in 28 publications, and 79 distinct DDoH components were identified in 63 publications. Relationships between DDoH and other determinants of health were discussed in 28 publications. No consensus exists on the definition of DDoH or whether they are a subset of social determinants of health or a standalone category. Approximately one-third of identified DDoH involved internet access, access to digital technology, or digital health literacy; the remaining components were fragmented and less frequently reported.

This review provides a comprehensive overview of DDoH, including their definitions, components, and interconnections with other determinants. The findings clarify how DDoH are conceptualised in current literature and highlight challenges in developing a coherent, unified framework for their study.