JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

As the rapid advancement of digital health technologies has significantly improved health management, digital health literacy (DHL) has emerged as a crucial determinant of health outcomes.

Objective:

This study explored DHL in a representative sample of the general population and the relationship between DHL, demographic, and socioeconomic factors among adults.

Methods:

This cross-sectional survey was conducted from July 20 to July 31, 2022, among adults aged 19 and older in Korea. Participants were recruited nationally, with those under 55 years completing an online survey and those 55 years and older participating in face-to-face interviews to address the digital divide. Participants’ DHL was assessed using a 34-item Digital Health Technology Literacy Assessment Questionnaire that covered information and communications technology (ICT)terms, icons, app use, and health information evaluation.

Results:

A survey of 1,041 adults revealed that 27.8% of the population exhibited low DHL, particularly in using mobile health apps. The 34-point scale was converted to a 100-point scale to improve the comparison, with an average score of 73.8. The low DHL group scored 31.5, whereas the high DHL group scored 90.3. In the high DHL group, 95.2% of the participants were able to sign up for an app compared with 17% in the low DHL group. Additionally, 94.7% of the high DHL group could update an app compared with 18% of the low DHL group. In the adjusted model, older age, lower income, and limited health literacy were strongly associated with lower DHL, highlighting these as key factors contributing to reduced digital health competency.

Conclusions:

This study highlights the ongoing digital health disparities, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies in mobile applications and digital health technologies. Addressing modifiable factors such as health literacy is key to ensuring equitable access and the effective use of digital health resources. Clinical Trial: N/A