Qualitative analysis of digital health literacy among university students in Pakistan

ABSTRACT

The digitalization of health information has globally impacted the health literacy of educated youth. In the resource-deprived countries like Pakistan, the promotion of digital health literacy can reduce the risks associated with healthcare utilization by improving the health behavior of individuals. Little is known about the digital health literacy in Pakistan. The present study explores the cognitive, social, and cultural factors of digital health literacy and e-healthcare services utilization among educated youth in Pakistan. We conducted sixteen Focused Group Discussion among male and female students enrolled in different private and public universities located in Lahore. The data were manually analyzed through thematic analysis. We found that the complex presentation of e-health information was linked with a low level of e-health literacy. In addition, inadequate training, poor accessibility to digital resources, and unauthentic websites are the main barricades of digital healthcare services. Concise and simple presentation of online health information, institutional sensitivity about provision of e-healthcare training and easy access to advance digital resources can promote e-health literacy. To cope with the changing global healthcare environment, rigorous efforts and synchronized actions are needed from public and private sector universities and higher education institution to promote digital healthcare services.

KEYWORDS:

• E-healthcare
• digital health literacy
• educated youth
• university
• Pakistan

Author statement

AA: Conceptualization, Methodology, Data Analysis, Writing – Original draft preparation. AU: Visualization, Supervision, Writing the manuscript. AJ: Critical Evaluation, Revising and Editing the final draft.

Data availability statement

This research article is based on the doctoral dissertation of first author AA. The data that support the findings of this study are available from the principal author, [AA], upon reasonable request.

IDI Guide

1. Please state your practices of using e-resources (Information & Communication Technology) for seeking health information.

2. Please share your experience about the hurdles related to digital health literacy (seeking health information through computers and other electronic resources)?

3. Please state here any other experience or point of view that you want to share with us regarding ICT (Information & Communication Technology) usage in health literacy?

4. Do you think there is health information on internet?

5. Do you think that internet health information is users friendly?

6. Do you feel easy with English Language?

7. Can you understand medical terminology on health-related websites?

8. Is the information on internet reliable?

9. Can trainings make you more effective?