Digital health readiness in people with cardiometabolic diseases in Turkiye: a prior assessment for the feasibility of technology based cardiac rehabilitation programs

Backround Digital health readiness refers to the development of health services through digital technologies and the ability to use digital technology to meet health needs and is defined as the main determinant of health. Digital access, usage of digital technology, digital literacy and the development of digital health literacy contribute to the improvement of health processes and are thought to be a useful solution against health problems that may arise in the follow-up of cardiometabolic diseases. Participation in rehabilitation programs is significant in the follow-up of cardiometabolic diseases and digital health literacy plays an important role in self-management of the disease and participation in digital cardiac rehabilitation programs. Purpose The aim of our study is to examine the results of the digital usage and skills, which assesses digital health readiness and willingness to learn new digital health tools in individuals with cardiometabolic diseases. Methods 100participants(mean age=52.28±11.99/years,F:55, M:45) aged 20-80 years and diagnosed with cardiometabolic diseases including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity and cardiac diseases were included in the study. The participants' age ranges were categorized as Group1(20-40 ages between), Group2(41-59 ages between), and Group 3 (60-80 ages between) and educational levels were categorized as high school and below, and university and above. Each participant was presented with 20 statements under the headings of digital usage, digital skills, digital literacy, digital health literacy, and an additional category of digital learnability that Digital Health Readiness Questionnaire and was asked to rate them from 1to5. Results There was a significant difference between the age groups in the digital usage category of the participants(F=6.89,p=0.002).The significant difference between group1 and group2 (p=0.034)and between group1 and group3(p=0.001)was in favor of group1.No significant difference was found between age groups in the categories of digital usage, digital technology usage, digital literacy, digital health literacy and digital learnability(p>0.05). In digital usage, internet use had the highest participation rate (4.64±0.91),while activity tracker use was found to be the lowest(2.01±1.67). Conclusion This study found that participants aged20–40,especially those with higher education levels, were more likely to use digital devices such as smartphones, laptops, and wearable activity trackers. Younger age and higher education were associated with greater digital usage, learnability, and motivation to develop digital skills. Prior assessment results of this study support that promoting digital health literacy in all age groups can increase the prevention, management and rehabilitation of cardiometabolic diseases by improving healthy lifestyles and control of risk factors.