Published in PLOS One on 2026-06-01, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Eyerusalem Asfaw, Tilahun Shiferaw, Moti Tolera, Adisu Birhanu Weldesenbet, Mentesenot Seid
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0350299
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Digital health literacy has become essential for effective clinical practice as healthcare systems increasingly adopt digital technologies. However, many low- and middle-income settings continue to face substantial gaps in digital readiness among the health workforce. Despite growing national initiatives to expand digital health in Ethiopia, evidence on digital health literacy among healthcare professionals in the eastern part remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of digital health literacy and its determinants among healthcare professionals in Eastern Ethiopia.
A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1–30, 2025, among 401 randomly selected healthcare professionals working in three public and private hospitals. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire based on the European Digital Competence framework and analyzed using STATA (V17.0). Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of digital health literacy with significance set at p < 0.05.
Out of 401 participants, 50.6% (95% CI: 45.62–55.62) of health professionals had adequate digital health literacy. Internet access (AOR = 3.89, 95% CI: 1.21–12.47), digital technology training (AOR = 6.24, 95% CI: 3.46–11.26), higher perceived usefulness (AOR = 2.87, 95% CI: 1.51–5.46), perceived ease of use (AOR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.02–3.57), and good computer literacy was significant predictors of adequate digital health literacy (AOR = 3.11, 95% CI: 1.71–5.68).
Digital health literacy among healthcare professionals in the Harari region is relatively low compared to global standards. Strengthening digital infrastructures, expanding structured digital trainings, and creating user-friendly digital environment are essential to improve digital health literacy.
Background
Digital health literacy (DHL), an essential part of digital literacy, is the skill to find, assess, and apply digital health information to support patient care and clinical decision-making [1,2]. Over the past few years, health care systems around the world have steadily adopted digital tools like telemedicine, electronic health records (EHRs), mobile health apps, and wearable technology to improve patient care and service delivery [3,4]. For health professionals, strong digital health literacy underpins effective patient care, teamwork across disciplines, and the use of evidence-based practices [5,6].
Healthcare’s digital shift has picked up pace thanks to the rapid rise of eHealth tools, which allow real-time data access, remote doctor visits, and diagnostics supported by artificial intelligence (AI) [7,8]. However, making the most of these advances relies on healthcare workers having solid digital competencies, because when digital health literacy falls short, it can cause misinterpretation of clinical data, inefficiencies in work flow, and poorer outcomes for patients [9,10]. Despite the increasing importance of digital health literacy, not all healthcare workers are on equal footing, research shows that younger staff and those educated in tech-savvy settings tend to be more proficient than older colleagues or those with less digital exposure [11]. The absence of standardized digital health literacy training in many medical and health science curricula further continues to widen this competency gap [12,13].
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider technology & industry desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Eyerusalem Asfaw, Tilahun Shiferaw, Moti Tolera, Adisu Birhanu Weldesenbet, Mentesenot Seid. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
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