Assessing eHealth Literacy among Industrial Workers Using Smartphones: A Cross-sectional Study on Perceived Competency and Implications for Workplace-based Digital Interventions

Abstract

Aim: To assess the levels of digital and eHealth literacy among industrial workers using smartphones and identify sociodemographic and occupational factors influencing their ability to engage with digital health information. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 200 industrial workers. Participants aged 18–60 years who had used smartphones were recruited using purposive sampling. Two validated instruments—Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry-30 (REALD-30) and the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS)—were administered to assess oral health and digital health literacy, respectively. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26. Results: The eHealth Literacy Scale results revealed low levels of eHealth literacy, with no participants reporting confidence in using online health information. Responses showed strong disagreement with all eHEALS items across all age-groups. REALD-30 scores ranged from 2.0 to 5.0 (Mean = 3.045, SD = 0.711), indicating moderate oral health literacy. No significant correlation was found between REALD-30 and eHEALS scores, suggesting these are distinct constructs. Conclusion: Despite high smartphone ownership, industrial workers demonstrated poor digital and eHealth literacy. This digital divide limits the use of online health resources and necessitates tailored interventions. Clinical significance: The study highlights the need for workplace-integrated, linguistically appropriate digital literacy programs for industrial populations. Improving digital health literacy can enhance health equity, empower workers, and support national digital health initiatives.