Digital Health Literacy: A systematic review of interventions and their influence on healthcare access and sustainable development Goal-3 (SDG-3)

Abstract

This study explores how interventions focused on digital health literacy (DHL) can improve access to healthcare and contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal-3 (SDG- 3). We scrutinized information from PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, and Web of Science released search articles from March 1, 2020 to January 31, 2024. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, the review concentrated only on experimental studies that assessed how DHL initiatives have influenced enhancing patient health outcomes and access to healthcare. Research that did not cover DHL or the availability of healthcare, was not included. The analysis was primarily qualitative, focusing on thematic patterns and insights rather than statistical outcomes. Our results showed that DHL interventions typically result in enhanced health literacy, improved medication adherence, and higher self-confidence, particularly benefiting marginalized communities. Limitations to safe & accessible healthcare underscore the need for more focused and culturally appropriate strategies. This review shows that interventions by DHL can greatly enhance healthcare results, highlighting the need to tackle inequalities to ensure marginalized communities also benefit.

Keywords: Digital Health; Health Care Quality; Health Equity; Health Services Accessibility; Sustainable Development; Treatment Expectations.

Fig.1

PRISMA flow diagram.