Qualitative analysis of digital health literacy among university students in Pakistan

Abstract

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.