Improving measurement of digital inclusion: introducing the Digital Access and Use Index
1
Health Policy and Systems, University of Cape Town, School of Public Health, Cape Town, South Africa
2
International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
3
Global Health, York University, Toronto, Canada
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A921
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Mobile phones are the primary means of accessing the internet globally, particularly for women in low- and middle-income countries. Beyond communication, mobile phones and internet connectivity facilitate access to information, services, and resources related to health, education, finance, and income generation. Evidence from multiple contexts underscores these benefits. In Africa, mobile cellular subscriptions and internet use are associated with increased women’s labour market participation and strengthened capacities and resources. In India, mobile phone access among urban women has been linked to improved use of skilled birth attendance, postnatal care, and modern contraceptives. Despite this growing evidence base, more robust and harmonised data on women’s mobile phone ownership and digital access are needed to inform programme design, evaluation, and long-term monitoring of digital inclusion.
METHODS:
The study draws on: (a) secondary analyses of existing Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) and Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) to identify gaps and inconsistencies in current measures; (b) cognitive interviews conducted in India, Kenya, and Nigeria to refine survey questions; (c) findings from a nationally representative survey of 13,500 men and women 18+ yrs in Bihar, India examining digital access and use; and (d) iterative expert consultations to develop and validate measurement recommendations.
RESULTS:
Secondary analyses highlights substantial limitations in existing indicators. Findings a cross-sectional survey across Bihar present primary data on digital access (connectivity, physical access, and affordability) and digital use, including digital competencies, safety and security, attitudes and norms, digital agency, as well as engagement in high-impact use cases.
CONCLUSIONS:
The Digital Access and Use Index (DAUI) reconceptualises measurement of digital inclusion by capturing the full spectrum of factors shaping women’s access to and use of digital technologies. The DAUI offers a more comprehensive tool for monitoring progress and informing policies and programmes aimed at advancing digital inclusion and gender equity.
Mobile phones are the primary means of accessing the internet globally, particularly for women in low- and middle-income countries. Beyond communication, mobile phones and internet connectivity facilitate access to information, services, and resources related to health, education, finance, and income generation. Evidence from multiple contexts underscores these benefits. In Africa, mobile cellular subscriptions and internet use are associated with increased women’s labour market participation and strengthened capacities and resources. In India, mobile phone access among urban women has been linked to improved use of skilled birth attendance, postnatal care, and modern contraceptives. Despite this growing evidence base, more robust and harmonised data on women’s mobile phone ownership and digital access are needed to inform programme design, evaluation, and long-term monitoring of digital inclusion.
METHODS:
The study draws on: (a) secondary analyses of existing Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) and Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) to identify gaps and inconsistencies in current measures; (b) cognitive interviews conducted in India, Kenya, and Nigeria to refine survey questions; (c) findings from a nationally representative survey of 13,500 men and women 18+ yrs in Bihar, India examining digital access and use; and (d) iterative expert consultations to develop and validate measurement recommendations.
RESULTS:
Secondary analyses highlights substantial limitations in existing indicators. Findings a cross-sectional survey across Bihar present primary data on digital access (connectivity, physical access, and affordability) and digital use, including digital competencies, safety and security, attitudes and norms, digital agency, as well as engagement in high-impact use cases.
CONCLUSIONS:
The Digital Access and Use Index (DAUI) reconceptualises measurement of digital inclusion by capturing the full spectrum of factors shaping women’s access to and use of digital technologies. The DAUI offers a more comprehensive tool for monitoring progress and informing policies and programmes aimed at advancing digital inclusion and gender equity.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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