Perceptions about computers and the internet in a pediatric clinic population

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Health Informatics
• Pediatric Healthcare

Background:

• The digital divide, concerning access to technology, is well-documented.
• Parental comfort and privacy concerns regarding computer and Internet use are critical factors.
• Understanding these attitudes is essential for digital health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess parental attitudes towards computers and Internet use.
• To evaluate concerns about Internet confidentiality among parents.
• To determine associations between these views and household income or education.

Main Methods:

• A phone survey was conducted with a population-based sample of parents.
• Participants were parents of children aged 0-11 years receiving care at a community clinic network.
• The survey focused on technology attitudes, comfort, and privacy concerns.

Main Results:

• High rates of computer use (88%) and positive attitudes (83%) towards computers were reported.
• Most parents (97%) were willing to share information online, but data security was a concern.
• Income and education showed a small association with computer familiarity, but not with perceptions among existing users.

Conclusions:

• The majority of families exhibit comfort with computers and the Internet, irrespective of socioeconomic status.
• Concerns about the digital divide should not impede the development of internet-based health interventions for pediatric populations.
• Internet-based health solutions are a feasible option for engaging parents in pediatric care.