From Concept to Practice: A Scoping Review of the Application of Digital Health Literacy Interventions for Enhancing Healthcare Access and Outcomes Among Higher Education Students

Abstract

This scoping review investigates the application of digital health literacy (DHL) interventions in higher education, focusing on how these initiatives can enhance healthcare access and improve health outcomes among students. With the growing reliance on digital platforms for health information, understanding the effectiveness of DHL interventions is crucial. Consequently, researchers have investigated the use of digital health literacy interventions in enhancing healthcare access and outcomes for students in higher education. A systematic scoping review was conducted, analyzing literature related to digital health literacy interventions implemented within higher education institutions. The review included a comprehensive search of databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and ERIC, resulting in the identification of 63 relevant studies. These studies were evaluated to determine their intervention strategies, technologies utilized, and their effects on students' healthcare access and health outcomes. The analysis revealed that the majority of interventions focused on educational programs aimed at improving students' health knowledge and habits. Recent studies on health education interventions in higher education emphasize educational programs targeting nutrition, physical and psychological activity. Effective methodologies include interactive and integrated approaches that enhance student engagement. There remains considerable scope to align digital health literacy interventions with enhancing healthcare access and outcomes for higher education students, empowering them with accessible, equitable, and culturally safe digital technologies.