Addressing Health Inequality With Digital Health Technologies: Role of Widespread Digital Skills and Digital Literacy: Kenya as a Case Study

Abstract

Health inequality remains a pressing global issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like Kenya. The integration of digital health technologies presents a transformative potential for addressing these disparities. However, the efficacy of digital health interventions is contingent upon widespread digital skills and literacy. This white paper explores the nexus between digital health technologies, digital literacy, and health inequality reduction in Kenya, using an academic lens. Key themes include the current state of digital health in Kenya, barriers to digital health adoption, the role of digital skills and literacy, and recommendations for fostering equitable health outcomes.

Introduction

Health inequality—the disparity in health outcomes across different population groups—is a critical challenge in Kenya, exacerbated by socio-economic, geographical, and systemic factors (World Health Organization [WHO], 2023). Digital health technologies, defined as the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for health services and information delivery, have emerged as a promising solution to bridge these gaps (Mehl & Labrique, 2022). Despite this potential, the lack of digital literacy among both patients and healthcare providers often hampers the successful implementation of these technologies (Odhiambo et al., 2022).

This paper employs Kenya as a case study to examine how digital literacy and widespread digital skills can mitigate health inequalities. It also provides evidence-based recommendations to optimize digital health implementation in resource-constrained settings.

The Current State of Health Inequality in Kenya

Kenya’s health disparities are shaped by factors such as income inequality, limited access to healthcare in rural areas, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. Rural populations often face higher mortality rates, limited access to skilled healthcare providers, and insufficient preventive services (Kimani-Murage et al., 2023). Health inequities are further compounded by gender disparities, with women and girls frequently lacking access to essential services (WHO, 2023).

Digital health initiatives, such as telemedicine, electronic medical records (EMRs), and mobile health (mHealth) applications, offer scalable solutions to these challenges. However, the digital divide—a gap in access to ICT resources and skills—undermines their effectiveness (Omwansa et al., 2023).

Digital Health Technologies in Kenya

Kenya has made significant strides in digital health, including the adoption of mHealth applications like M-TIBA, which facilitates healthcare payments and savings, and platforms like Afya Rekod for personal health records (Muriuki et al., 2023). The Ministry of Health’s eHealth policy framework further underscores the government’s commitment to integrating ICTs into healthcare delivery (Ministry of Health Kenya, 2020).

Despite these advancements, challenges persist. Limited internet connectivity in rural areas, high costs of digital devices, and insufficient training for healthcare providers hinder the widespread adoption of these technologies (Odhiambo et al., 2022). Addressing these barriers necessitates a focus on enhancing digital literacy among all stakeholders.

The Role of Digital Literacy in Health Equity

Digital literacy encompasses the ability to access, evaluate, and use digital technologies effectively (European Commission, 2022). In healthcare, it extends to understanding how to navigate digital health platforms, interpret digital health information, and utilize technology for health management.

In Kenya, digital literacy levels remain low, particularly in rural areas where access to education and ICT infrastructure is limited (Kimuyu & Mueni, 2023). This gap affects both healthcare providers and patients. For instance, a lack of training in using EMRs among healthcare workers leads to inefficiencies and errors, while patients struggle to engage with mHealth applications due to limited digital skills (Omwansa et al., 2023).

Barriers to Digital Literacy and Skills Development

• Educational Disparities: Digital skills acquisition is often tied to formal education, which many Kenyans in marginalized areas lack (Odhiambo et al., 2022).
• Gender Inequality: Women in Kenya face greater barriers to digital literacy due to socio-cultural norms and limited access to ICT resources (Kimani-Murage et al., 2023).
• Infrastructure Challenges: Poor internet connectivity and the high cost of digital devices disproportionately affect rural populations (Muriuki et al., 2023).
• Healthcare Provider Training: Insufficient training programs for healthcare workers limit their ability to effectively use digital health tools (Omwansa et al., 2023).

Case Study: Digital Literacy Interventions in Kenya

The Digital Literacy Programme (DLP), initiated by the Kenyan government in collaboration with private stakeholders, aims to equip primary school learners with digital skills (Ministry of Education, Kenya, 2021). While the DLP has shown promise in enhancing digital literacy among youth, its impact on healthcare-related digital skills remains limited.

Another notable intervention is the "Mama MDG" initiative, which provides mobile-based maternal health information to women in rural Kenya (Kimuyu & Mueni, 2023). This program demonstrates the potential of targeted digital literacy initiatives in improving health outcomes but also highlights the need for more comprehensive strategies that include healthcare providers.

Recommendations for Enhancing Digital Literacy and Health Equity

• Integrating Digital Skills Training in Healthcare Education Incorporating digital health modules into the curricula for medical and nursing students can ensure that future healthcare providers are proficient in using digital tools (WHO, 2023).
• Community-Based Digital Literacy Programs Deploying community-level training programs that focus on digital health literacy can empower marginalized populations to utilize digital health tools effectively (Muriuki et al., 2023).
• Public-Private Partnerships Collaborating with technology companies can facilitate the development of affordable and user-friendly digital health solutions (Odhiambo et al., 2022).
• Gender-Sensitive Approaches Tailoring digital literacy programs to address gender-specific barriers can enhance women’s participation in digital health initiatives (Kimani-Murage et al., 2023).
• Policy and Funding Support Increasing governmental and donor investments in ICT infrastructure and digital literacy programs is essential for sustaining progress (Ministry of Health Kenya, 2020).

Conclusion

Addressing health inequality in Kenya through digital health technologies requires a multi-faceted approach that prioritizes digital literacy and skills development. While existing initiatives have laid a foundation, scaling these efforts demands collaborative action among governments, private sector actors, and civil society. Enhancing digital literacy can empower both patients and healthcare providers, bridging the digital divide and fostering equitable health outcomes. As Kenya progresses toward universal health coverage, integrating digital health literacy into broader health and development strategies will be crucial.

References

European Commission. (2022). Digital literacy in the 21st century. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu

Kimani-Murage, E. W., Wanjiru, R., & Nyambura, J. (2023). Gender disparities in health access: Challenges in Kenya. Journal of African Health Studies, 15(4), 220-236.

Kimuyu, R., & Mueni, E. (2023). Evaluating the impact of mHealth applications on maternal health in Kenya. East African Medical Journal, 100(3), 112-120.

Mehl, G., & Labrique, A. (2022). Digital health strategies to tackle health inequities in LMICs. The Lancet Digital Health, 4(6), e345-e356.

Ministry of Education, Kenya. (2021). Digital Literacy Programme: Progress report. Nairobi, Kenya: Government Printer.

Ministry of Health Kenya. (2020). eHealth policy framework 2020-2030. Nairobi, Kenya: Government Printer.

Muriuki, J., Odhiambo, T., & Wekesa, P. (2023). The role of digital technologies in Kenya’s healthcare sector. African Journal of ICT, 12(2), 89-101.

Odhiambo, T., Onyango, L., & Ndegwa, P. (2022). Barriers to digital health adoption in rural Kenya. Kenya Health Review, 8(1), 45-57.

Omwansa, T. K., Waema, T. M., & Lule, G. (2023). Bridging the digital divide in Kenya: Lessons for the healthcare sector. ICT4Health Journal, 11(4), 299-315.

World Health Organization. (2023). Health inequities in Africa: Bridging the gap. Geneva: WHO Press.