Self-Reported Digital Health Literacy and Work Engagement Among Nurses in UAE Hospitals

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate self-reported digital health literacy levels and work engagement among nurses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), while also examining associations with demographic factors and the interplay between digital health literacy and work engagement. Background: The integration of digital technologies into healthcare has transformed patient care, clinical practice, and administration. Nurses, as frontline practitioners, play a crucial role in utilizing digital tools to enhance patient interactions and navigate complex healthcare systems. Methods: Between May and August of 2024, 364 nurses in the United Arab Emirates participated in a cross-sectional design study. A standardized 21-item self-reported Digital Health Literacy questionnaire and a 9-item Utrecht Work Engagement Scale were administered. Descriptive statistics were used, with t-tests, ANOVA, correlations, and multiple linear regression applied. Results: The average score for self-reported digital health literacy (3.05 ± 0.57) and work engagement (4.83 ± 1.13) was high. Gender, age, work experience, and education level showed varying patterns of association with self-reported DHL and work engagement across total and subscale scores. Education level was significantly associated with self-reported DHL but not with work engagement. The overall work engagement score and its subscales were positively correlated with self-reported DHL. Conclusions: Our findings provide a robust basis for subsequent research on DHL and work engagement. These findings support the relevance of self-reported DHL as a factor associated with nurses' work engagement in digitally intensive healthcare settings. The study reveals that nurses reported high levels of digital health literacy and work engagement.