Understanding digital health literacy in Brazil: findings from the eHEALS survey

Abstract

Objectives

To assess digital health literacy in Brazil using the eHEALS questionnaire and contribute valuable data to the global understanding of how populations assess and use digital health information to manage their health.

Study design

Cross-sectional survey.

Methods

We administered the eHEALS-Br questionnaire to 401 participants in public high-traffic areas. eHEALS scores were categorized into three levels - inadequate, problematic, and sufficient - with educational adjustments. We used linear regression for data analysis to examine the impact of different sociodemographic aspects on digital health literacy.

Results

The findings reveal differences across gender, economic status, and educational level, which shows how vulnerable groups have lower digital health literacy, which can impact their capacity to manage their health and increase health inequalities.

Conclusions

A third of the sample exhibits low digital health literacy, underscoring the need for government interventions and public policies focused on the digital environment to enhance digital health literacy. Adding to the limited research on digital health literacy in Latin America, our study contributes essential data from the Global South, informing international strategies to address health disparities worldwide.