Racial disparities in health information access: resilience of the digital divide

摘要: Policy initiatives of the late 1990s were believed to have largely eliminated information "Digital Divide." For healthcare consumers, access is an essential part consumer-centric framework outlined in recently proposed national health initiative. This study sought examine how racial/ethnic characteristics are associated with Internet use and online information. Using a cross-sectional nationwide reported search 2000 2002, we studied stratified sample computer users from Pew & American Life Project surveys. Adjusted estimates race/ethnicity income effects on behaviors derived generalized estimating equations. Results show wide gaps computers between Hispanics Whites (OR = 0.593 [0.440, 0.798]) African-Americans 0.554 [0.427, 0.720]) significantly narrowed 2002 Hispanic white 1.250 [0.874, 1.789]; OR African-American (0.793 [0.551, 1.141]). Gaps Internet, however, remained consistent 2000---2002. Differences seeking existed both 2002. 56% White at some time searched for information, whereas 42% did so 2000. By these percentages had increased 13.4 15.8%, respectively. Data highlight persistence "Digitally Underserved Groups," despite recent Divide reduction strategies.