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Review
. 2024 Oct 7:10:20552076241287894.
doi: 10.1177/20552076241287894. eCollection 2024 Jan-Dec.

Digital health literacy: A concept analysis

Suyeon Ban  1   2 , Yirang Kim  1 , GyeongAe Seomun  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Digital health literacy: A concept analysis

Suyeon Ban et al. Digit Health. .

Abstract

Objective: To elucidate the concept of digital health literacy by delineating its primary dimensions, origins and effects. Through this clarification, we seek to augment our understanding of the contemporary use of the concept of digital health literacy.

Methods: Rodgers's concept analysis was employed to investigate digital health literacy as a context-influenced concept evolving with technological progress. Six databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, RISS, KISS and DBpia) and Google Scholar were searched from 2006 to 2023, focusing on the terms 'digital health literacy', 'eHealth literacy' and 'mHealth literacy'. Of 2,819 papers, 32 were included in the analysis to identify the conceptual structure of digital health literacy.

Results: The conceptual structure of digital health literacy was identified, and its evolution was traced. Currently, the four critical attributes are (a) goal-driven regulation, (b) information processing, (c) communication and (d) utilisation. Functional literacy, prior health knowledge and experience, and access to technology are antecedents, while positive health outcomes, increased perceived control and enhanced health-related quality of life emerged as consequences. Additionally, the concept was influenced by multilevel contextual factors.

Conclusions: By enhancing our understanding of digital health literacy; standardising its terminology; and exploring the interactions among its antecedents, consequences and influencing factors, this study aims to reduce health disparities and promote equitable health in the digital era. The results of this foundational work, which establishes a basis for future research and policy development, provide clear pathways for developing targeted interventions and measurement tools of digital health literacy, ultimately contributing to better health practices.

Keywords: Digital health literacy; concept analysis; digital health; eHealth; eHealth literacy; health inequities; healthcare disparities; social determinants of health.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
The flowchart of the article inclusion process (PRISMA flow diagram was derived).
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Conceptual structure of digital health literacy.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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