The effect of digital literacy training for women in menopause on health literacy and quality of life: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Menopause is a critical stage in a woman’s life and is often accompanied by multiple physical and psychosocial challenges. Access to accurate health information is essential for symptom management and well-being; however, increasing reliance on digital platforms may expose women to misinformation and difficulties related to limited digital literacy. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effect of a menopause-specific digital literacy training program (DijiMeno) on digital literacy, health literacy, and quality of life. Women in the menopausal period were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. The DijiMeno program consisted of five interactive sessions delivered through face-to-face education and follow-up support. Data were collected at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up using the Digital Literacy Scale, Health Literacy Scale, and Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Scale (MENQOL). At posttest, the intervention group demonstrated significantly higher digital literacy scores than the control group (t(60) = −2.285, p = .026). No significant between-group difference was found in total health literacy (t(60) = −1.826, p = .073), although significant improvements were observed in specific health literacy subdomains and over time within the intervention group (F = 21.696, p < .001). Improvements in the intervention group were maintained at the three-month follow-up. Regarding menopause-specific quality of life, no significant between-group differences were found in total MENQOL scores or in the psychosocial and physical subdomains after adjustment for baseline differences. However, a significant effect was observed in the vasomotor domain (F(1,58) = 4.156, p = .046, partial η2 = 0.067). These findings suggest that integrating digital literacy education into women’s health services may support symptom management and well-being during menopause.