Effect of Digital Health Literacy Program on Self-Care Practices among Rural Women

Abstract

Background
Rural women often face barriers in accessing health information due to limited literacy, lack of resources, and inadequate awareness. Digital health literacy (DHL) can empower women to seek reliable health information, improve self-care practices, and enhance health outcomes.
Objective
To assess the effect of a digital health literacy program on self-care practices among rural women.
Methods
A quasi-experimental study was conducted among 100 rural women in selected villages of Agra district, Uttar Pradesh. Participants were selected using purposive sampling and divided into experimental (n=50) and control (n=50) groups. A structured questionnaire on digital health literacy and a self-care practice checklist were used for data collection. The experimental group received a four-week digital health literacy program covering nutrition, personal hygiene, maternal-child health, menstrual hygiene, and common illnesses using mobile applications, WhatsApp videos, and tele-health counseling. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (paired t-test, independent t-test, chi-square test).
Results
Pre-test scores revealed poor digital health literacy and low self-care practices in both groups. Post-intervention, the experimental group showed a significant improvement in digital health literacy (mean score: 12.8 → 24.3; p<0.001) and self-care practices (mean score: 15.1 → 28.6; p<0.001), while the control group showed no significant change. A positive correlation was found between digital health literacy and self-care practices (r=0.72, p<0.01).
Conclusion
The digital health literacy program significantly improved self-care practices among rural women. Incorporating digital health literacy interventions in rural health programs can empower women, bridge health inequities, and enhance community health outcomes.