Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding Digital Health Utilization Among Medical Students of QAMC: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Interest in digital health interventions, defined as the use of mobile technologies in healthcare, is growing worldwide. Adoption and utilization of these technologies are crucial among medical students, who represent the future healthcare workforce. Prior studies have shown insufficient knowledge of digital health utilization in countries like Pakistan. Limited evidence exists on whether students feel competent using these technologies or the challenges they face in academic and clinical settings. This study aims to identify curriculum gaps and highlight the need to integrate comprehensive digital health training into medical education. As future healthcare professionals, medical students’ proficiency with digital health technologies will significantly impact healthcare delivery.Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess knowledge and attitudes regarding digital health utilization among medical students in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. The study also aimed to analyze curriculum gaps and inform policymakers in developing supportive policies that encourage digital health use, provide training, and address barriers faced by students in adopting these technologies.Methods: Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire from 309 participants through convenience sampling in Bahawalpur. Frequencies and percentages were calculated using SPSS software. Results were presented graphically and in tables.Results: Knowledge of digital health utilization was moderately high. More than half of the students reported awareness of digital health. Among respondents, 43.9% used digital health for tracking physical activities, 33.1% for managing health conditions, 23.6% for communicating with healthcare professionals, 7.2% for scheduling appointments, and 0.9% for other purposes. Overall, 64.7% said they would recommend digital services to others, 12.4% said they would not, and 22.9% were unsure.Conclusion: The study shows that knowledge of digital health among medical students is satisfactory. Students utilize digital health mainly for personal health management, and future use of these services appears promising.Keywords: Knowledge, Attitude, Digital Health, Utilization