Digital Technology Use and eHealth Literacy in a Remote Aboriginal Community of the Northern Territory
Tracks
Concurrent Room 4
| Thursday, August 6, 2026 |
| 12:15 PM - 12:35 PM |
Overview
Vishnu Khanal & Kureisha Wilson, Menzies School of Health Research
Details
1. Mobile phone ownership and use were common, despite service limitations.
2. Technology use among respondents was common, but its use for health was limited.
3. The vast majority of remote residents wanted to use digital technologies to support their health.
Speaker
Dr Vishnu Khanal
Senior Research Fellow
Menzies School Of Health Research
Digital technology use and eHealth literacy in a remote Aboriginal community of the Northern Territory
Presentation Overview
Introduction
Digital health technologies have the potential to improve access to healthcare services, education, employment and information on climate change issues. Data on digital technology ownership is a prerequisite to design and implement any digital applications. This study aims to examine digital technology use, internet availability and use, intention to use technology for health, and eHealth literacy in a very remote First Nations Island community in the Northern Territory (NT), Australia.
Methods
This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in a very remote island community of the NT between January and June 2024.
Results
Approximately 20% (n=46) of the community, proportionate to the population by age group and gender, participated in the study. Seventeen (37%) did not own their own devices. In the three weeks before being surveyed, use and non-use of digital devices were similar (54% used, 46% did not). More than two thirds of those who had internet access (n=29) were using prepaid mobile data. Half of the participants reported accessing health information online, and 17% reported having received a text message reminder about a health appointment. One-third did not use digital devices for health in the last three months, and only three individuals did not want to use a digital device for health. No one used a digital device to get information about visiting health services in the community. The mean score for eHealth literacy was: 23.7; (range 8 to 40). Overall, the younger age group (18-44 years) agreed more on eHealth literacy statements.
Conclusion
The use of digital technologies was common; however, their application for health was limited. Limited use, with low eHealth literacy scores, suggest unmet needs for accessible community digital infrastructure, personal access to devices, and digital upskilling. Addressing these needs is likely to help improve access to applications for environmental and health services.
Digital health technologies have the potential to improve access to healthcare services, education, employment and information on climate change issues. Data on digital technology ownership is a prerequisite to design and implement any digital applications. This study aims to examine digital technology use, internet availability and use, intention to use technology for health, and eHealth literacy in a very remote First Nations Island community in the Northern Territory (NT), Australia.
Methods
This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in a very remote island community of the NT between January and June 2024.
Results
Approximately 20% (n=46) of the community, proportionate to the population by age group and gender, participated in the study. Seventeen (37%) did not own their own devices. In the three weeks before being surveyed, use and non-use of digital devices were similar (54% used, 46% did not). More than two thirds of those who had internet access (n=29) were using prepaid mobile data. Half of the participants reported accessing health information online, and 17% reported having received a text message reminder about a health appointment. One-third did not use digital devices for health in the last three months, and only three individuals did not want to use a digital device for health. No one used a digital device to get information about visiting health services in the community. The mean score for eHealth literacy was: 23.7; (range 8 to 40). Overall, the younger age group (18-44 years) agreed more on eHealth literacy statements.
Conclusion
The use of digital technologies was common; however, their application for health was limited. Limited use, with low eHealth literacy scores, suggest unmet needs for accessible community digital infrastructure, personal access to devices, and digital upskilling. Addressing these needs is likely to help improve access to applications for environmental and health services.
Biography
Dr. Vishnu Khanal Vishnu is a senior research fellow at Menzies School of Health Research, focusing on digital health in primary care in Remote Indigenous Communities. His work involves understanding consumer and provider preferences for digital technologies. Vishnu’s areas of interest include inequity in the access and utilisation of health services, digital health, global health, and maternal and child health. He has extensive international experience in implementing and evaluating community-based health programs to improve primary health care services including maternal and child health, pandemic preparedness, and infant nutrition from his previous work.
Ms Kureisha Wilson
Project Officer
Menzies School of Health Research
Digital technology use and eHealth literacy in a remote Aboriginal community of the Northern Territory
Biography
