Digital Silence and Adolescent Health Literacy in Remote Learning Environments

This study analyzes the relationship between digital silence and health literacy among midwifery and nursing students in Semarang, Indonesia, within a distance learning context. Using a mixed-methods explanatory sequential design, 180 students participated in a quantitative survey, and 20 were involved in interviews and focus group discussions. Linear regression results show a significant negative relationship between digital silence and health literacy, while qualitative findings reveal psychological barriers, limited interaction, and technological constraints as key factors driving passivity. The study concludes that digital silence hinders health literacy development, contributing theoretically to digital interaction studies in health education and practically by offering recommendations for more participatory distance learning strategies to strengthen future health professionals’ competencies.