Institutional Level Barriers Restricting The Utilization Of Digital Technology For Searching Online Health Information Among University Students In Pakistan

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the institutional barriers restricting digital health literacy among on-campus university students in public sector universities in Punjab. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with the male and the female students in three public sector universities with the help of semi structured discussion guide as [1]a tool for data collection. The study participants were selected using purposive sampling technique. To analyze data, thematic analysis technique was employed. The study explored various institutional barriers against the use of digital health literacy among students in Pakistani universities including poor internet connectivity, inadequate technical support and limited availability of ICT resources. It was found that the speed of internet is a major concern to access the online health information despite availability of computer labs. Along with limited availability of ICT resources, inadequate technical support for operating the ICTs is another barrier that restricts the access to digital health information. University students in Pakistan are not inclined towards the usage of online health knowledge. In order to promote digital health literacy among students, the universities should be well-equipped with latest digital devices and technical training.