Determinants of Digital Health Literacy among French parents of children aged 0–2 years

Background

Parents increasingly rely on digital sources for child health information. Digital Health Literacy (DHL)—the ability to effectively engage with digital tools to improve health—is critical, yet its determinants among parents remain scarcely evaluated. This study assesses the DHL level of mothers and fathers and explores associations between DHL and diverse determinants among French parents of young children.

Methods

Data on parents (5,235 fathers; 5,049 mothers) from the Evane 2024 cross-sectional survey was analyzed. Results were weighted to ensure representativeness of the French population of parents of children aged 0–2 years. DHL was measured via the 8-item HLS19-DIGI-HI scale, and dichotomized (inadequate vs. problematic/sufficient/excellent). Weighted Poisson regression with robust variance was employed to estimate Prevalence Ratios (PR), adjusting for socio-demographics, parent’s health variables and self-reported parental self-efficacy (PSE).

Results

Overall, inadequate DHL level was identified in 16% of parents, with a higher prevalence among fathers than mothers (18% vs. 15%; p < 0.001). In the multivariable model, low PSE was most strongly associated with inadequate DHL (PR = 2.19 [1.84-2.61]). Parental psychological distress was associated with inadequate DHL (PR = 1.43 [1.27-1.61]). Other significant determinants included perceived financial strain (PR = 1.40 [1.24-1.58]), full-employment households (PR = 1.41 [1.17-1.71]) and being born abroad, rather than France (PR = 1.22 [1.08-1.37]). Low social support (PR = 1.16 [1.02-1.32]) also increased the prevalence of inadequate DHL. Interestingly, poor general health, education level and age did not remain significant after adjustment.

Conclusions

DHL hinges on PSE and mental well-being. To ensure equitable access to digital health information, public health interventions should provide culturally sensitive support and address the time-poverty of working parents.

Key messages

• Nearly one in six parents has inadequate digital health literacy, which is primarily driven by low parental self-efficacy and psychological distress.

• Beyond psychological drivers, being a father, born abroad, or living in a full-employment household significantly increases the prevalence of inadequate digital health literacy.