Determinants of digital health literacy among health professionals: Evidence from public and private hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background 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. Methods 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. Results 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). Conclusion 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.