Digital Literacy Levels and Communication Effectiveness During Cholera Outbreak Among Women of Reproductive Age in Embakasi Ward
Keywords:
Digital literacy level, Communication effectiveness, Cholera outbreak, Women of reproductive age, Embakasi Ward, Facebook health communicationAbstract
Digital literacy is essential for women of reproductive age to access, interpret, evaluate, and apply cholera-related health information shared on Facebook. However, communication effectiveness during cholera outbreaks remains inconsistent in Embakasi Ward, Nairobi County, partly due to gaps in digital literacy. Despite investments in outbreak communication systems, there is limited empirical evidence on how digital literacy influences communication effectiveness among women of reproductive age in high-risk urban settings. A mixed-methods research design was employed. The target population comprised 28,900 women of reproductive age in Embakasi Ward. Using Yamane's (1967) formula, 395 respondents were sampled, alongside eight purposively selected key informants. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interview guides. Reliability was confirmed using Cronbach's Alpha (α = 0.881). Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis in SPSS version 30, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Digital literacy demonstrated a strong, positive, and statistically significant relationship with communication effectiveness during cholera outbreaks (r = 0.768, p < 0.001). The composite mean was 3.89 (SD = 0.540), indicating that respondents considered digital literacy important for effective engagement with Facebook-based health communication. Regression analysis showed that digital literacy significantly predicted communication effectiveness (B = 0.652, β = 0.478, p < 0.001). Navigation, interpretation, and information-filtering abilities were the most influential dimensions. Digital literacy was significantly associated with communication effectiveness during cholera outbreaks among women of reproductive age in Embakasi Ward. The null hypothesis was rejected at p < 0.001. Community-based digital health literacy programmes should strengthen Facebook navigation, health-message interpretation, and credibility evaluation. Digital literacy training should also be integrated into community health promotion policies to support informed health decision-making during cholera outbreaks.
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