The digital divide: Examining socio-demographic factors associated with health literacy, access and use of internet to seek health information

TLDR

The study investigates how socio‑demographic factors influence health literacy, internet access, and the use of online health information. Data from a 1,046‑participant health literacy survey were analyzed with logistic regression. Results reveal that higher health literacy is strongly linked to greater internet access and use, and that age, education, income, perceived health, and social isolation predict access; the authors suggest that digital health initiatives must also address digital skills, particularly for traditionally hard‑to‑reach groups.

Abstract

This article aims to examine the socio-demographic characteristics associated with access and use of Internet for health-related purposes and its relationship with health literacy. Data were drawn from a health literacy survey ( N = 1046) and analysed using logistic regression. Results show a strong association between health literacy, internet access and use. Socio-demographic characteristics particularly age, education, income, perceived health and social isolation also predict internet access. Thus, in addition to widening access, the movement towards digitisation of health information and services should also consider digital skills development to enable people to utilise digital technology more effectively, especially among traditionally hard-to-reach communities.