Digital Health Literacy and Its Impact on Digital Health Resource Utilisation and Preventive Health Behaviour: Evidence from Bamenda, Cameroon

Digital transformation in healthcare is reshaping how individuals access, interpret, and use health information; however, engagement with digital health systems remains uneven, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where disparities in access and capability persist. This study examines the relationship between digital health literacy (DHL), digital health resource utilisation, and preventive health behaviour among adults in Bamenda, Cameroon, while assessing the moderating role of socio-demographic factors. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was employed, drawing on 437 valid responses from adult residents selected through stratified sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from validated digital health literacy instruments and analysed using descriptive statistics, ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, and moderation analysis. The findings reveal that digital health literacy significantly predicts digital health resource utilisation (β = 0.0348, p < 0.001) and exerts an even stronger positive effect on preventive health behaviour (β = 0.710, p < 0.001). Age negatively influences both utilisation and preventive behaviour, while education demonstrates a consistent positive effect across models. Income and health insurance status are not statistically significant predictors, indicating that financial access plays a limited role once literacy is accounted for. Moderation analysis shows that age, education, and place of residence significantly condition the relationship between DHL and digital health utilisation, with stronger effects observed among younger, more educated, and urban populations. Gender does not significantly moderate the relationship. The study concludes that digital health literacy is a key determinant of digital health engagement and preventive health behaviour; however, its impact is shaped by structural and socio-demographic inequalities. These findings highlight the need for integrated digital health strategies that combine literacy enhancement with improvements in infrastructure and equitable access to ensure inclusive health system benefits in resource-constrained settings.