Digital Health Literacy: Analyzing Patient Characteristics and Their Influence on Utilizing Online Platforms for Medication Information
Location
Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall
Description
PURPOSE: In the era of digital health, comprehending how patients engage with online health information is crucial. This study aims to identify demographic and health-related factors that influence patients' utilization of digital platforms for medication information. SUBJECTS: The study analyzed a proprietary dataset from a 2021 survey involving 26,173 Americans, encompassing a wide range of demographic backgrounds, health statuses, and histories of digital health service usage. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Data collection involved a comprehensive survey spanning web searches, apps, websites, and social media for health literacy. The investigation included variables such as demographic information, health status, and digital health service history. ANALYSES: Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were employed to assess the predictive significance of demographic and health-related variables on the usage of digital platforms for health information. RESULTS: Approximately 39.58% of the surveyed population engaged with digital platforms for health information, predominantly white females. Statistical analyses demonstrated significant correlations between digital platform usage and factors including age, education, geographical location, and the prevalence of chronic illnesses (P < 0.05). Key predictors of usage included having multiple chronic conditions (OR 1.085), higher education levels (OR 1.352), and specific racial demographics (OR 0.901). CONCLUSIONS: The study reveals that patients with higher education and multiple chronic conditions, especially within certain racial demographics, are more likely to use digital resources for medication information. These findings are essential for designing digital health literacy programs that are effectively tailored to improve the accessibility and utilization of online health resources.
Digital Health Literacy: Analyzing Patient Characteristics and Their Influence on Utilizing Online Platforms for Medication Information
Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall
PURPOSE: In the era of digital health, comprehending how patients engage with online health information is crucial. This study aims to identify demographic and health-related factors that influence patients' utilization of digital platforms for medication information. SUBJECTS: The study analyzed a proprietary dataset from a 2021 survey involving 26,173 Americans, encompassing a wide range of demographic backgrounds, health statuses, and histories of digital health service usage. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Data collection involved a comprehensive survey spanning web searches, apps, websites, and social media for health literacy. The investigation included variables such as demographic information, health status, and digital health service history. ANALYSES: Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were employed to assess the predictive significance of demographic and health-related variables on the usage of digital platforms for health information. RESULTS: Approximately 39.58% of the surveyed population engaged with digital platforms for health information, predominantly white females. Statistical analyses demonstrated significant correlations between digital platform usage and factors including age, education, geographical location, and the prevalence of chronic illnesses (P < 0.05). Key predictors of usage included having multiple chronic conditions (OR 1.085), higher education levels (OR 1.352), and specific racial demographics (OR 0.901). CONCLUSIONS: The study reveals that patients with higher education and multiple chronic conditions, especially within certain racial demographics, are more likely to use digital resources for medication information. These findings are essential for designing digital health literacy programs that are effectively tailored to improve the accessibility and utilization of online health resources.