Understanding digital health literacy in the arab world: a study of arab adults with diabetes, hypertension, and rheumatoid arthritis residing in Qatar - Summary - MDSpire
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Understanding digital health literacy in the arab world: a study of arab adults with diabetes, hypertension, and rheumatoid arthritis residing in Qatar
To assess digital health literacy (DHL) and its associated sociodemographic and behavioral factors among Arab adults with diabetes, hypertension, and rheumatoid arthritis in Qatar, highlighting the significance of this research in a context of limited existing studies.
Key Findings:
405 participants were included with a mean age of 53.8 years; 69.6% were male.
The mean DHL score was 24.9 ± 7.6, with 53.1% classified as having high DHL.
Participants aged ≥60 years had significantly lower odds of high DHL compared to those <45 years (aOR: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.06–0.52).
Those with an advanced degree had higher odds of high DHL compared to those with a high school education or less (aOR: 3.97; 95% CI: 1.22–12.89).
Frequent internet use and use of the internet for health information were strong predictors of high DHL (aOR: 47.71; 95% CI: 16.36–139.12).
Interpretation:
DHL among Arab adults with chronic diseases in Qatar is moderate, with significant disparities based on age, education, and digital engagement, suggesting a need for targeted interventions.
Limitations:
The study is limited to a specific population in Qatar, which may not be generalizable to other regions.
Self-reported measures may introduce bias in assessing digital health literacy and behavior change, and cultural factors may influence these results.
Conclusion:
Targeted interventions are needed to translate DHL assessments into individualized self-care guidance for patients, including simplified digital tools and accessible Arabic-language resources, particularly aimed at older adults and those with lower educational backgrounds.
