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10.04.2020 | Original article

The persistence of digital divides in the use of health information: a comparative study in 28 European countries

verfasst von: Javier Alvarez-Galvez, Jose A. Salinas-Perez, Ilaria Montagni, Luis Salvador-Carulla

Erschienen in: International Journal of Public Health | Ausgabe 3/2020

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Abstract

Objectives

This study aimed to identify which are the socio-demographic factors that can describe health information users’ profiles in Europe and assess which are the factors distinguishing users and non-users and their association with the use of health-related online information.

Methods

Data from the Flash Eurobarometer No. 404 (2014) was analysed through a multilevel logistic regression model and a propensity score matching.

Results

There were significant differences in the use of the Internet for health information according to gender, age, education, long-term illness and health-related knowledge. Thus, some digital divides persisted in the use of health information online. Results showed that a poor health status was associated with a higher use of the Internet for health purposes only for people having chronic conditions.

Conclusions

Findings show a need to increase people’s eHealth literacy, especially for males over 45 years old not suffering from a long-term illness. In order to limit the misuse of poor or untrustworthy health information that might contribute to higher health disparities, special interest should be focused on population socio-demographic characteristics.

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Titel: The persistence of digital divides in the use of health information: a comparative study in 28 European countries
verfasst von: Javier Alvarez-Galvez
Jose A. Salinas-Perez
Ilaria Montagni
Luis Salvador-Carulla
Publikationsdatum: 10.04.2020
Verlag: Springer International Publishing
Erschienen in: International Journal of Public Health / Ausgabe 3/2020
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Elektronische ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-020-01363-w