Access to technology, internet usage, and online health information-seeking behaviors in a racially diverse, lower-income population
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Despite high technology access, lower-income populations show suboptimal use of online health tools. Patient education and identifying barriers are crucial for improving digital health engagement and access.
Area Of Science
- Health Informatics
- Digital Health Equity
- Health Disparities
Background
- Examined technology access, internet use, and online health information-seeking behaviors.
- Focused on a racially diverse, lower-income population in major US urban centers.
Purpose Of The Study
- To assess online health information-seeking behaviors in a vulnerable population.
- To identify factors associated with the utilization of digital health tools.
Main Methods
- Cross-sectional survey conducted in Houston, Los Angeles, and New York (April-August 2023).
- Assessed five key online health information-seeking behaviors: understanding diagnoses, filling prescriptions, scheduling appointments, emailing providers, and accessing health records.
- Examined internet and technology access, demographics, and income levels.
Main Results
- High rates of smart device (97%) and internet (97%) access were reported.
- Suboptimal engagement observed: 59% understood diagnoses online, 36% filled prescriptions online, 47% scheduled appointments online, 47% viewed records online, 56% emailed providers.
- Female sex, higher income, and higher education levels were associated with increased online health information-seeking.
Conclusions
- High technology adoption does not translate to high utilization of online health services in this population.
- Underutilization of digital health tools may negatively impact healthcare access and outcomes.
- Interventions should focus on addressing barriers and enhancing patient education to promote digital health literacy and usage.
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