Educational methods to improve digital health literacy: a systematic review and meta-analysis for the EAPC Opti(MI)se initiative

Abstract

DOI: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf354; European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 2025-07-15.; Abstract: Aims: Digital health literacy (DHL) is essential for managing chronic diseases and promoting healthy aging. Despite its importance, evidence on how to improve DHL remains limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the impact of educational interventions on DHL among adults with chronic diseases and healthy older adults, with implications for both primary and secondary prevention. Methods and results: This review followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024592890). Studies from 2000–24 targeting adults (≥18 years) with chronic diseases or healthy individuals (≥65 years) and evaluating educational interventions to improve DHL were included. Nine databases were searched. Outcomes were assessed using validated tools (e.g. eHEALS). Follow-up was categorized as short-term (T1) and long-term (T2), with durations ranging from 3 to 12 months, depending on the