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Digital Health Literacy Among Immigrants in Spain: Implications for Health Equity and Policies
Fdn Fomento Asturias Invest Cient Aplicada & Tecno, Dept Proyectos Europeos, Oviedo, Spain; Inst Invest Sanitaria Principado Asturias, Oviedo, Spain.
Inst Invest Sanitaria Principado Asturias, Oviedo, Spain; Univ Oviedo, Dept Med, Oviedo, Spain.
Mälardalen University, School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Health and Welfare.ORCID iD: 0000-0001-6681-2827
Inst Invest Sanitaria Principado Asturias, Oviedo, Spain; Serv Salud Principado Asturias SESPA, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
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2025 (English)In: International Journal of Public Health, ISSN 1661-8556, E-ISSN 1661-8564, Vol. 70, article id 1608436Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Objectives The objective of this study was to qualitatively explore the experiences of immigrants in Spain using the internet for health-related purposes, while identifying the barriers, needs, and opportunities within the context of digital health literacy.Methods 24 individuals with immigrant backgrounds in Spain participated in semi-structured interviews guided by a participatory framework. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.Results Immigrants perceive digital health literacy as a valuable tool for empowering them to take a more active role in managing their health. However, socio-economic and cultural barriers such as language limitations and low levels of education were identified. Key needs included improvements in health platforms, particularly regarding access, content and security. Participants advocate for greater involvement from healthcare providers and strategic stakeholders to better adapt services to immigrant communities.Conclusion This study provides valuable insights for policymakers, offering evidence-based approaches for inclusive strategies to enhance digital health literacy. It also emphasizes the necessity of policies tailored to the specific health needs of immigrant populations, aiming to reduce health inequalities.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Frontiers Media SA , 2025. Vol. 70, article id 1608436
Keywords [en]
digital health literacy, immigrants, qualitative research, Spain, cultural competence
National Category
Public Health, Global Health and Social Medicine
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:mdh:diva-74317DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2025.1608436ISI: 001610611900001PubMedID: 41209052Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-105021200521OAI: oai:DiVA.org:mdh-74317DiVA, id: diva2:2014749
Available from: 2025-11-19 Created: 2025-11-19 Last updated: 2026-03-31Bibliographically approved

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Wamala, Sarah

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