Factors related to digital literacy in people with disabilities: Focus on self-efficacy and attitude toward digital devices and technology

As digital technologies become increasingly central to daily life, digital literacy has become essential for social participation and access to key services, especially for people with disabilities (PWD). Although digital technologies are widely used, some groups experience difficulties or exclusion in accessing digital services. We examined the associations between demographic factors (gender, age, education, income), psychological factors (digital self-efficacy, attitude toward digital devices), and social-capital factors (helper availability, social capital) and digital literacy among PWD. We analyzed data from 1,922 Internet users with disabilities, collected in the 2024 Digital Information Gap Survey, using path analysis. The results showed that the proposed model was appropriate. Education and income levels positively affected helper availability, social capital, digital self-efficacy, attitude, and digital literacy, whereas gender and age were negatively associated with helper availability. Digital self-efficacy had the largest direct effect on both attitude and digital literacy, with social capital and helper availability serving as important mediators. The main variables—self-efficacy, education level, income level, social capital, attitude, age, and gender—explained 46.4% of the variance in digital literacy among PWD. These findings indicate significant differences in digital literacy based on gender, age, education, and income level and show that digital self-efficacy and social capital are key factors in improving digital literacy. Furthermore, the results emphasize the need for targeted educational interventions and enhanced social support systems to address the digital divide for PWD. • Digital self-efficacy best predicts digital literacy in people with disabilities. • Social capital and helper access strongly mediate digital literacy outcomes. • Education and income boost digital literacy through several pathways. • Age and gender negatively relate to digital literacy in people with disabilities. • Targeted efforts should bridge the digital divide for people with disabilities.