Sociodemographic variation in use of and preferences for digital technologies among patients in primary care: Results from the OurCare national survey
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Lower income and education levels are associated with reduced use and importance of digital health technologies. Targeted interventions are needed to ensure equitable access to digital health services for all patients.
Area Of Science
- Digital Health Equity
- Health Informatics
- Sociology of Health
Background
- Digital technologies are increasingly integrated into primary care.
- Understanding patient sociodemographic factors influencing digital health adoption is crucial for equitable access.
- Previous research has highlighted disparities in technology access but requires further investigation in primary care contexts.
Purpose Of The Study
- To assess the association between patient sociodemographic characteristics and the adoption of and preferences for digital technologies in primary care.
- To identify specific patient groups less likely to engage with digital health tools.
- To inform strategies for promoting equitable digital health adoption.
Main Methods
- A cross-sectional, bilingual online survey was conducted in Canada in Fall 2022.
- Participants included 9,279 adults aged 18 and older.
- Analysis involved descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis of 8 sociodemographic characteristics (gender, age, province, education, income, rurality, birthplace, health status) against digital technology use and preferences.
Main Results
- Respondents with lower incomes (<$30,000) and lower educational attainment (high school diploma or less) were significantly less likely to use or prefer digital tools like email, secure messaging, and video calls compared to higher-income and university-educated individuals.
- Lower-income and less-educated participants were also less likely to access or value personal health records.
- Adjusted odds ratios indicated significant disparities in adoption and preference across various digital health applications based on income and education level.
Conclusions
- Lower income and less formal education are significant barriers to the adoption and perceived importance of digital health technologies in primary care.
- These findings underscore the need for further research into adoption barriers and the development of tailored interventions.
- Policy and practice should focus on ensuring equitable access to digital health services for all patient populations.
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