Assessing the Relationship Between Health Information Technology Use and Self-Rated Health Among Adults with Chronic...

To assess the use of health information technology (HIT) among adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP) in the United States and to evaluate the relationship between HIT use and self-rated health.

The independent variable was the use of the internet to (1) fill prescriptions, (2) communicate with a healthcare provider, (3) look up health information, and (4) schedule a medical appointment. Respondents rated their health in the last 12 months as worse, about the same, or better. A Chi-square analysis was used to assess the use of HIT among those with CLBP; a logistic regression was used to determine predictors of HIT use; and an ordinal logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between HIT and self-rated health.

As compared to those without CLBP, those with CLBP are more likely to use the internet to look up health information (58.9 vs. 53.8%, p-value<.001), refill prescriptions (13.9% vs. 10.5%, p-value<.001), and communicate with a healthcare provider (19.8% vs.15.3%, p-value<.001). Being employed and having a higher level of education were positive predictors of HIT use. As compared to other uses of the internet, using the internet to communicate with a healthcare provider was associated with higher odds of rating health as better compared to worse or about the same within the last 12 months.

Among adults with CLBP, a more affluent social status is associated with the use of HIT. Also, HIT is associated with a better health rating as compared to not using it at all. Further studies should assess the longitudinal relationship between HIT use and how adults with CLBP rate their health.