Digital Technology Use for Health and eHealth Literacy in a Very Remote Aboriginal Community in the Northern...

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Indigenous Health
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Digital technologies offer potential to improve healthcare access.
• Evidence on digital device ownership and use in remote Aboriginal communities is scarce.
• This study investigated digital technology adoption in a remote Aboriginal community.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine digital technology use and internet availability.
• To assess the intention to use technology for health purposes.
• To evaluate eHealth literacy levels in a remote Aboriginal community.

Main Methods:

• A community-based, face-to-face structured survey was conducted.
• Local Aboriginal community researchers administered the survey.
• The study took place in a very remote island community in the Northern Territory, Australia.

Main Results:

• 20% of the community participated; 17 lacked digital devices, 17 had no internet.
• Two-thirds of internet users relied on prepaid mobile data.
• Younger individuals showed higher eHealth literacy; healthcare application of technology was limited despite interest.

Conclusions:

• Digital technology use is prevalent but underutilized for healthcare.
• Low eHealth literacy and connectivity gaps highlight unmet needs.
• Enhanced community digital infrastructure and device access are recommended.