The Digital Divide Among Low-Income Homebound Older Adults: Internet Use Patterns, eHealth Literacy, and Attitudes Toward Computer/Internet Use

• DOI: 10.2196/jmir.2645
• Publication Date: 2013-05-02T15:25:46Z
• Authors: Namkee G Choi; Diana M DiNitto
• Keywords: eHealth; Digital Divide

Internet technology can provide a diverse array of online resources for low-income disabled and homebound older adults to manage their health mental problems maintain social connections. Despite many previous studies adults' use, none focused on these most vulnerable adults.This study examined use patterns, reasons discontinued eHealth literacy, attitudes toward computer/Internet among individuals aged 60 in comparison younger counterparts-homebound under age 60.Face-to-face or telephone surveys were conducted with 980 recipients home-delivered meals central Texas (78% years 22% 60). The Literacy Scale (eHEALS) the efficacy interest subscales Attitudes Toward Computer/Internet Questionnaire (ATC/IQ) used measure respective constructs. Age groups compared chi-square tests t tests. Correlates analyzed multinomial logistic regression, correlates eHEALS ATC/IQ scores OLS regression models.Only 34% under-60 group 17% currently Internet, 35% 16% members reported discontinuing due cost disability. In addition being older, never users more likely be black (OR 4.41; 95% CI 2.82-6.91, P<.001) Hispanic 4.69; 2.61-8.44, P<.001), have lower incomes 0.36; 0.27-0.49, P<.001). Discontinued also incomes. Among both groups, approximately three-fourths current every day few days, negatively associated positively frequency use. group, depression diagnosis was scores. all ages living alone, income, number medical conditions inversely age, ethnicity, Spanish as primary language. Although it not ethnicity language.This is first describe detail It shows very low rates US population, either lack exposure technology; financial obtain computers conditions, disabilities, pain that restrict Recommendations reduce digital divide are provided.