Psychometric Properties of Digital Divide Measurement Instruments in Health Contexts: Systematic Review
Noelia Navas-Echazarreta1, Elena Chover-Sierra2,3, César Rubio-Tarazón2
1Research Group GRUPAC, Pre-departmental Biomedical Sciences and Health Specialties Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of La Rioja, C/ Duquesa de la Victoria, 88, Logroño, 26004, Spain, 941299059.
JMIR Human Factors
|April 22, 2026
Summary
The digital divide impacts health equity. Current measurement tools show good internal consistency and structural validity but lack data on stability and responsiveness, requiring further validation for health applications.
Area of Science:
- Health Informatics
- Social Determinants of Health
- Measurement Science
Background:
- The digital divide represents a significant social inequality affecting access to and benefits from digital health technologies.
- Accurate assessment of digital inequality in healthcare necessitates psychometrically sound measurement instruments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically identify and evaluate the psychometric properties of instruments measuring the digital divide.
- To focus on the applicability of these instruments within health-related settings.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review adhering to PRISMA 2020 and COSMIN guidelines.
- Searches conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Dialnet, and Web of Science (2015-2025).
- Inclusion of studies reporting psychometric evaluation of digital divide instruments.
Main Results:
- Four studies (875-1337 participants) met inclusion criteria, focusing on digital skills and capital.
- All studies demonstrated adequate internal consistency (Cronbach α: 0.70-0.94) and confirmed structural validity via factor analysis.
- Absence of data on temporal stability and responsiveness was noted.
Conclusions:
- Current instruments offer potential for assessing digital health inequality but require further psychometric validation and cultural adaptation.
- Nursing professionals should lead the development and validation of context-sensitive instruments to advance digital health equity.
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