The impact of digital literacy and internet usage on health behaviors and decision-making in Arab MENA countries

Abstract

Background: Digital literacy is essential for health behaviors and decision-making, particularly in Arab MENA countries, where access to digital resources varies considerably. Objective: This study investigates the impact of digital literacy and internet usage on health behaviors across ten Arab countries, focusing on demographic and country-specific differences. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 12,522 respondents from Bahrain, Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, Kuwait, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia was conducted using convenience sampling combined with the SMOTE-ENN technique to ensure balanced representation. The online questionnaire, available in Arabic and English, assessed internet access, digital literacy, and health behaviors. Results: The findings reveal notable disparities in how digital literacy affects health outcomes. Overall, 40 % reported positive impacts of digital literacy on health behaviors, with males and older age groups showing higher positive perceptions. Notable country differences were observed: Egypt reported the highest positive impact (65.1 %), while Kuwait had the highest negative impact (25.3 %). Urban residents and those with higher education levels experienced more positive effects. Reliable internet access, social media, and health apps positively influenced health outcomes, particularly in Egypt and the UAE. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the importance of enhancing digital health literacy, particularly for marginalized and underserved groups and communities. Improving internet access, fostering confidence in digital tools, and promoting critical evaluation of health information are crucial for positive health outcomes. This study offers key insights into the role of digital literacy in public health and highlights the need to address disparities in the Arab MENA region.

keywords: Arab MENA, Decision-making, Digital literacy, Health behaviors, Internet usage, Public health.