Health and eHealth literacy in Vietnam: Evidence from a National survey.

Abstract

To assess levels of health literacy (HL), eHealth literacy (eHL), and online health information-seeking behaviors among Vietnamese adults, and to identify factors associated with HL and eHL. A nationwide cross-sectional online survey was conducted in 2025 among 3550 adults. HL and eHL were measured using HLS19-Q12 and eHEALS, respectively. Sociodemographic, health, and digital behavior variables were collected. Tobit regression was used to examine associated factors. Problematic HL was common (67.3%), whereas most participants had sufficient eHL (85.5%). Higher HL and eHL were associated with female gender, higher education, urban residence, and frequent online health information seeking. Several chronic conditions were linked to lower HL, while endocrine disorders showed divergent associations. Use of official health websites was positively associated with literacy outcomes, whereas reliance on social media was negatively associated with HL. Despite high digital engagement, substantial gaps in general health literacy persist among among digitally connected Vietnamese adults, particularly across socio-demographic groups. Public health strategies should prioritize strengthening critical appraisal skills for online health information and expanding access to reliable digital health resources to reduce literacy disparities and support equitable digital health empowerment.