Association of Smartphone Ownership and Internet Use With Markers of Health Literacy and Access: Cross-sectional Survey Study of Perspectives From Project PLACE (Population Level Approaches to Cancer Elimination) (Preprint)

• DOI: 10.2196/preprints.24947
• Publication Date: 2021-06-09T14:18:20Z
• Authors: Sachiko M Oshima; Sarah D Tait; Samantha M Thomas; Oluwadamilola M F...; Kearston Ingraham; Nadine J Barrett; E Shelley Hwang
• Keywords: Health Literacy; eHealth

<sec> <title>BACKGROUND</title> Telehealth is an increasingly important component of health care delivery in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, well-documented disparities persist use digital technologies. </sec> <title>OBJECTIVE</title> This study aims describe smartphone and internet within a diverse sample, assess association with markers literacy access, identify mediating factors these relationships. <title>METHODS</title> Surveys were distributed targeted sample designed oversample historically underserved communities from April 2017 December 2017. Multivariate logistic regression was used estimate outcomes describing access for total cohort after stratifying by personal history cancer. Health captured using multiple variables, including ability obtain medical when needed. Markers included self-reported confidence obtaining information. <title>RESULTS</title> Of 2149 participants, 1319 (61.38%) women, 655 (30.48%) non-Hispanic White, 666 (30.99%) Black. The median age 51 years (IQR 38-65). Most respondents reported (1921/2149, 89.39%) owning (1800/2149, 83.76%). Compared or those without more likely report that doctor their most recent source information (344/1800, 19.11% vs 116/349, 33.2% 380/1921, 19.78% 80/228, 35.1% internet, respectively; both &lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt;&amp;lt;.001). Internet associated having looked on topics any (odds ratio [OR] 3.81, 95% CI 2.53-5.75) needed (OR 1.83, 1.00-3.34) compared noninternet users. Smartphone owners had lower odds being unable 0.62, 0.40-0.95) than nonsmartphone owners. Among participants prior cancer, ownership significantly higher 5.63, 1.05-30.23) inability 0.17, 0.06-0.47), although associations not significant among <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> We widespread technologies community-based cohort, persist. In this care, suggesting technology may play role increasing access. Similarly, major illnesses such as cancer have potential amplify engagement. Finally, special emphasis must be placed reaching patient populations limited so patients are further disadvantaged new telehealth.