Understanding Digital Literacy Among University Students in Kazakhstan

Abstract Background In an increasingly digital world, digital literacy has become an essential competency. It enables individuals to access online health information, evaluate its credibility, and make informed decisions - supporting equitable access to reliable health resources. This study assessed general and digital health literacy (HL) levels and their determinants among university students from various academic fields in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 3,202 undergraduate students from universities in three large cities of Kazakhstan during 2023-2024. General HL was measured using the HLS19-Q12 questionnaire; digital HL was assessed with the HLS19-DIGI tool. ANOVA and Tukey's HSD post hoc tests were used to compare HL across study fields. Stepwise multiple linear regression identified predictors of digital HL (p < 0.05). Results The sample included students from health and medical sciences (1,042; 32.6%), technical and engineering sciences (948; 29.4%), and arts and social sciences (1,209; 37.7%). The average age was 20.18 (+/- 4.91) years. The mean general HL score was 85.91 (+/- 18.81), with the highest among medical students (88.26 +/- 17.52). The mean digital HL score was 83.17 (+/- 24.39), also higher in medical students (85.79 +/- 22.84). Differences in HL scores between medical and technical students were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Higher digital HL was linked to living in the Astana region, positive self-assessed social status, use of mobile health apps (e.g., for nutrition, medication, activity, or sleep), and higher general and navigational HL. In contrast, later years of study and more frequent digital interaction with the health system were associated with lower digital HL (p < 0.05). Conclusions Improving general and digital HL is key to enhancing public health and equitable access to credible health information. Integrating HL and digital HL into university curricula is recommended. Key messages • Digital health literacy is an essential competence in modern digital era. • To empower future professionals, it is recommended to incorporate health and digital literacy courses into the curricula.