Digital Health Literacy and Its Impact on Preventive Health Behavior among Community Populations

Abstract

This study examines the influence of digital health literacy on preventive health behavior among community populations within contemporary digital healthcare environments. The research aims to analyze how individuals access, interpret, and utilize digital health information in shaping preventive healthcare practices and to identify the social and behavioral factors influencing digital health literacy. The study employed a qualitative approach using a case study research design because this method enables an in-depth exploration of community experiences, perceptions, and behavioral adaptation related to digital health information. The research was conducted in Bandung Regency, West Java, Indonesia, due to the region’s diverse demographic characteristics and increasing utilization of digital healthcare communication. The study involved twenty participants consisting of community members, healthcare practitioners, public health officials, and community leaders selected through purposive sampling because they possessed direct experience related to digital health information and preventive healthcare activities. The findings reveal that digital health literacy significantly influences preventive health behavior, particularly in improving healthcare awareness, information evaluation, and participation in preventive healthcare practices. However, disparities in education, digital competence, and access to reliable information remain major challenges. The study recommends strengthening community-based digital health literacy programs, improving digital healthcare communication strategies, and expanding inclusive preventive healthcare education initiatives.