Digital Health Literacy and Web-Based Health Information-Seeking Behaviors in the Saudi Arabian Population
Anas Alhur, Afrah Alhur, Muteb Alshammari, Arwa Alhur, Wafa Bin Shamlan, Muhannad Alqahtani, Samia Alhabsi, Raheeq Hassan, Ebtehal Baawadh, Shahad Alahmari, Noura Alshahrani, Rana Alwadae, Esra Abdalla, Hadeel Abuali, Malath Alshahrani
Abstract
Introduction In the evolving landscape of healthcare, the emergence of digital technologies has brought digital health literacy to the forefront. This is especially pertinent given the vast amount of health information available online and the diverse capabilities of individuals to effectively use this resource. Focusing on the Saudi Arabian context, where digital health practices are increasingly integrated into daily life, our study aims to investigate the competencies in digital health literacy and the patterns of online health information seeking among the Saudi population. Methods A quantitative research design was adopted for this investigation. Data were collected through online surveys from a diverse cohort of 2,184 Saudi residents, all above the age of 18 years. The survey was designed to evaluate the participants' ability to find, understand, and use health information obtained from digital platforms. Results Analysis indicates that 63% of the population is proficient in using search engines for health information. However, 37% face challenges in formulating precise health-related inquiries. Additionally, the study identified significant variations in digital health literacy across different genders and age groups, with younger participants generally showing higher literacy levels. Conclusion The results of our study highlight the critical need for specialized educational initiatives in Saudi Arabia aimed at bolstering digital health literacy. This is particularly essential in bridging the gaps observed in different age groups and between genders. By enhancing these key competencies, we can significantly empower individuals to make well-informed health decisions. Such advancements are instrumental in nurturing a society that is both more informed and proficient in managing health-related information in a digital context.