Internet Speed and the Effect on Health Information Technology Adoption

摘要

Background. The Internet has become pervasive in everyday life; the Pew Research Center reported over 84% of Americans use the Internet either on their phone or a computer. However, due to the method the Internet was created, an Internet digital divide was created. The Internet digital divide speaks to the disparity in access and speed of Internet of certain populations. This study looked into the disparity between urban and rural populations and their Internet access through two means e-prescriptions adoptions and Internet health information seeking behavior (HISB) through their mobile devices.;Methods. This study used 4 datasets, the Health Information Trends Survey, Area Health Resource Files, Surescripts, and National Broadband Map to determine if there was a disparity caused by the Internet between urban and rural populations. A logistic regression was used to determine if there was a disparity between urban and rural populations in mobile Internet HISB. A multivariable regression analysis was conducted to determine if Internet speed was related to positive change in e-prescription adoption.;Results. Logistic regression results showed that there were mixed results in the relationship of rurality and mobile HISB use. Once community factors were accounted for, rurality was statistically insignificant. On the other hand, the characteristics of income and age played a role in whether mobile HISB occurred. Multivariable regression analysis showed that Internet speed played no role in e-prescription uptake. However, counties with higher percentage of insured patients and doctors aged under 55 are linked to positive changes in e-prescription adoption.;Conclusion. Income and age seem to play a statistically significant role in Internet HISB use. This suggests that there is an access and experience issue at play. In addition, Internet speed plays an insignificant role in e-prescription adoption change. However, it seems much more individual level factors are at play for e-prescription adoptions. More research is needed to determine what impacts e-prescription adoption change.