DIGITAL LITERACY AND HEALTHCARE INFORMATION ACCESS AMONG RURAL COMMUNITIES IN SOUTHWESTERN, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between digital literacy and healthcare information access among rural communities in Southwestern Nigeria. The increasing adoption of digital technologies in healthcare communication has transformed the way individuals obtain health-related information. However, rural populations continue to face challenges such as low digital literacy skills, poor internet connectivity, inadequate technological infrastructure, and limited awareness of reliable online health resources. The study explores how digital literacy influences the ability of rural dwellers to seek, evaluate, and utilise healthcare information for improved health outcomes. A descriptive survey research design is proposed, focusing on selected rural communities across Southwestern Nigeria. Data will be collected through structured questionnaires and interviews involving community members, healthcare workers, and local information providers. The study is anchored on the Digital Inclusion Theory and Health Information Seeking Behaviour framework. Findings are expected to reveal that individuals with higher digital literacy skills demonstrate better access to healthcare information, increased use of mobile health technologies, and improved health decision-making practices. Conversely, low digital competence may contribute to misinformation, poor healthcare utilisation, and dependence on informal information sources. The study recommends the implementation of community-based digital literacy programmes, improved rural internet infrastructure, and collaboration between government agencies, healthcare institutions, and non-governmental organisations to enhance equitable access to healthcare information. The research contributes to existing literature on digital inclusion and rural healthcare development in Nigeria.