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

Javier Alvarez-Galvez (), Jose A. Salinas-Perez, Ilaria Montagni and Luis Salvador-Carulla
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Javier Alvarez-Galvez: University of Cadiz
Jose A. Salinas-Perez: Universidad Loyola Andalucía
Ilaria Montagni: Inserm-University of Bordeaux
Luis Salvador-Carulla: The Australian National University

International Journal of Public Health, No 0, 9 pages

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: Internet; eHealth literacy; Health information; Digital divide; Europe (search for similar items in EconPapers)
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DOI: 10.1007/s00038-020-01363-w

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