Digital Health Literacy During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Health Care Providers in Resource-Limited Settings: Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background Digital health literacy is the use of information and communication technology to support health and health care. Digital health literacy is becoming increasingly important as individuals continue to seek medical advice from various web-based sources, especially social media, during the pandemics such as COVID-19. Objective The study aimed to assess health professionals’ digital health literacy level and associated factors in Southwest Ethiopia in 2021. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2021 in Ethiopia. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 423 study participants among health professionals. SPSS (version 20) software was used for data entry and analysis. A pretested self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the required data. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between the digital health literacy skill and associated factors. Significance value was obtained at 95% CI and P<.05. Results In total, 401 study subjects participated in the study. Overall, 43.6% (n=176) of respondents had high digital health literacy skills. High computer literacy (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 4.43, 95% CI 2.34-5.67; P=.01); master’s degree and above (AOR 3.42, 95% CI 2.31-4.90; P=.02); internet use (AOR 4.00, 95% CI 1.78-4.02; P=.03); perceived ease of use (AOR 2.65, 95% CI 1.35-4.65; P=.04); monthly income of >15,000 Ethiopian birr (>US $283.68; AOR 7.55, 95% CI 6.43-9.44; P<.001); good knowledge of eHealth (AOR 2.22, 95% CI 1.32-4.03; P=.04); favorable attitudes (AOR 3.11, 95% CI 2.11-4.32; P=.04); and perceived usefulness (AOR 3.43, 95% CI 2.43-5.44; P=.02) were variables associated with eHealth literacy level. Conclusions In general, less than half of the study participants had a high digital health literacy level. High computer literacy, master’s degree and above, frequent internet use, perceived ease to use, income of >15,000 Ethiopian birr (>US $283.68), good knowledge of digital health literacy, favorable attitude, and perceived usefulness were the most determinant factors in the study. Having high computer literacy, frequent use of internet, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, favorable attitude, and a high level of education will help to promote a high level of digital health literacy.

eHealth literacy and its associated factors in Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analysis

“…According to the literature, eHealth literacy has a positive effect on improving health conditions and increasing the quality of healthcare service delivery [9]. Educational background, knowledge of electronic health information resources, internet use, perceived usefulness, electronic health information resource utilization, and gender are determinants of eHealth literacy [9,10]. Dealing with these problems will have a significant contribution to the improvement of the quality of health and healthcare services.…”

Evaluating digital literacy of health professionals in Ethiopian health sectors: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Most of the studies included in this systematic review and meta-analysis were done in the Amhara region with study participants varying from 193 to 476 [ 11 , 21 , 23 ]. The rest two articles were done in Addis Ababa and the Oromia region, with total study participants of 846 [ 22 , 24 ]. All of those included studies were conducted among health professionals and used an institutional-based cross-sectional study design.…”

“…Studies done in Ethiopia indicated that there was a poor level of digital literacy among health professionals, and the outcomes ranged from 43.6% to 53.81% [ 11 , 21 – 24 ]. This variation could be the health professional’s computer literacy [ 21 ], monthly income [ 11 , 23 ], educational status [ 22 , 24 ], attitude [ 21 ], training access, awareness, willingness, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and others [ 11 , 21 – 24 ]. A prominent challenge in Ethiopia is the restricted access to digital infrastructure and resources within healthcare facilities [ 25 ].…”

Integrating digital literacies and scientific communication in a multimedia anatomy group assignment to advance contextual learning

“…Moreover, when implementing digital resources within anatomy education, it is important to ensure that students are not merely passive consumers of digital technologies but active participants for knowledge and skill development to advance their learning. Therefore, the increased adoption of digital technologies in anatomy curricula requires educators to consider effectively embedding these technologies in multiple facets of students' learning in addition to lectures and practical classes (Ahmed et al, 2022). When embracing digital technologies and digital literacies in anatomy learning, there is a need to not only facilitate anatomy knowledge acquisition but also link it with the real world.…”

“…As a result, digital literacy (the ability to access, evaluate, and communicate information using appropriate digital tools) (MacLure & Stewart, 2016; Campanozzi et al, 2023) is now an integral part of student learning. The competence of students toward digital technologies in anatomy curricula is likely to determine how students will access, embrace, and apply anatomy knowledge in their future careers and life (MacLure & Stewart, 2016; De la Hoz et al, 2021; Ahmed et al, 2022). The acquisition of digital technology skills is fundamental at all educational stages as a means of improving students' ability to identify and use contemporary scientific and technological knowledge pertinent to the relevant discipline.…”