디지털 헬스 리터러시와 건강 평등권: 고령층과 외국인 주민을 중심으로

Abstract

Digital healthcare has recently attracted attention as a core strategy for strengthening patient-centered care and efficiency. However, by its nature, digital technology does not provide equal benefits to all groups and may exacerbate new forms of health inequality. This review synthesizes national and international surveys and previous studies to examine how digital literacy affects the right to health equity, with a particular focus on older adults and foreign residents as particularly vulnerable populations. Recent Adult Digital Literacy Surveys showed pronounced vulnerabilities in literacy—especially in the digital and health domains—among older adults, those with low educational attainment, and low-income groups. International trends likewise identify digital literacy as a social determinant of health, and the World Health Organization presents equitable access as a core goal in its global strategy. Accordingly, a careful analysis of the current state of digital health literacy is needed, along with comprehensive policies that integrate education, technology, social support, ethics, and inclusive design.