Digital Health Literacy Among Medical Students: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Analysis Based on Socio-Demographic Characteristics
Main Article Content
Abstract
Objectives: Digital health literacy is of utmost importance for medical students. However, they might not have the skill to evaluate online health information and protection of digital privacy. The study aimed to assess digital health literacy levels and their association with sociodemographic factors among medical students.
Methodology: A Comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on MBBS students at Aziz Fatima Medical and Dental College, Faisalabad, for six months. Online questionnaires disseminated on social media platforms were used to recruit 280 undergraduate MBBS students using non-probability convenience sampling. Seven digital health literacy dimensions were assessed by the validated Van der Vaart Digital Health Literacy Instrument. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0, with the application of descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, ANOVA with post-hoc tests, and multiple linear regression. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.
Results: The overall mean digital health literacy score was 42.61 ± 14.02, classified as moderate. Basic operational skills were the strongest (55.80 ± 17.94) while privacy protection was the weakest dimension (30.74 ± 21.14). Internet usage >4 hours/day (71.1% of students) and multiple device access were the factors determining higher digital health literacy scores. Self-rated digital skills were found to be the most vital predictor (β = 0.318, p < 0.001) followed by the number of internet hours (β = 0.162, p = 0.004).
Conclusion: Medical students possess a moderate level of digital health literacy with considerable weaknesses in the areas of privacy protection and information evaluation.
Keywords: Digital; Health; Literacy; Medical; Students
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