DIGITAL HEALTH LITERACY IN INDIA: A REVIEW OF ASSESSMENT TOOLS, INTERVENTIONS, AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

Introduction: India is undergoing a significant digital health transformation, propelled by initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). A critical element in achieving accessible and equitable healthcare through this transformation is Digital Health Literacy (DHL)—the ability to seek, understand, and effectively use digital health information and tools. Despite the presence of global frameworks to assess DHL, India lacks validated, context-specific assessment tools, leading to an incomplete and fragmented understanding of DHL across diverse populations, particularly highlighting the rural-urban digital divide. Methods: This review synthesizes existing evidence on the status of Digital Health Literacy in India by examining current assessment frameworks, interventions, and policy efforts. It explores the concept of the Digital Health Quotient (DHQ) to measure stakeholder readiness across patients, healthcare providers, institutions, and policymakers. A comparative analysis was conducted between international DHL assessment tools and the Indian context to identify gaps and challenges. Results: Findings indicate that while interventions like government programs (Digital India, ABDM), educational initiatives, and awareness campaigns exist, they are insufficient in addressing the multilayered challenges faced by marginalized populations. Major obstacles limiting DHL in India include the digital divide caused by socio-economic and geographic disparities, usability and language barriers, technological apprehension, digital skill deficits, and systemic issues within existing health and education infrastructures. Current efforts are fragmented, leading to inequitable access to digital health services. Conclusion: A fairer digital health future in India necessitates a strategic, national-level approach. Key recommendations include reducing the digital divide, developing equity-centered policy frameworks, embedding DHL into education and health systems, adopting user-centered design principles, enhancing multi-stakeholder collaboration, and ensuring inclusive research practices. Addressing these areas holistically is essential for building a resilient, inclusive digital health ecosystem.