Digital Health Literacy in the General Population: National Cross-Sectional Survey Study

Junghee Yoon ^# 1 2, Seongwoo Yang ^# 3 4, Soo Jin Kang ⁵, Mangyeong Lee ^1 3, Dokyoon Kim ^4 6, Joungwon Park ^1 7, Su Jin Kim ^3 4, Jiyoon Han ³, Jungin Joo ^3 4 8, Juhee Cho ^1 2 3 9

• PMID: 40982760
• PMCID: PMC12453288
• DOI: 10.2196/67780

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: The aim of this study was to assess DHL among Korean adults using a task-based assessment tool and to examine how sociodemographic and health literacy factors are associated with DHL, with the goal of identifying vulnerable groups and informing equitable digital health strategies.

Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted from July 20 to July 31, 2022, among adults aged 19 years and older in South Korea. Participants were recruited nationally, with those younger than 55 years completing an online survey and those aged 55 years and older participating in face-to-face interviews to address the digital divide. Participants' DHL was assessed using the 34-item Digital Health Technology Literacy Assessment Questionnaire, a tool designed to evaluate practical task-based competencies.

Results: Among 1041 Korean adults, 27.8% (n=289) demonstrated low DHL, with the largest gaps observed in mobile app use and critical evaluation of health information. The mean DHL score (on a 100-point scale) was 73.8 (SD 29.7). The high and low DHL groups scored 90.3 (SD 35.6) and 31.5 (SD 20.0), respectively. Specifically, only 49 (17%) of the low DHL group were able to sign up for an app, compared with 716 (95.2%) in the high DHL group. Similarly, 52 (18%) of the low DHL group could update an app, whereas 712 (94.7%) could in the high DHL group. Multivariate analysis revealed that older age (≥60 years), lower income (≤US $2000/month), unemployment, and inadequate general health literacy were significantly associated with lower DHL, highlighting the need to target modifiable factors beyond age.

Conclusions: This study highlights the ongoing digital health disparities, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies in mobile apps 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.

Keywords: DHL; Korea; cross-sectional; cross-sectional survey; digital divide; digital health; digital health literacy; digital health technology; digital inclusion; face-to-face interview; general population; health literacy; national survey; older adult; online survey; surveys and questionnaires; young adult.