Alvarez-Galvez, Javier , SALINAS PÉREZ, JOSÉ ALBERTO, Montagni, Ilaria , Salvador-Carulla, Luis
No
Int. J. Public Health
Article
Científica
3.38
1.037
01/04/2020
000528559100016
2-s2.0-85083706391
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 multilevellogistic 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 45years 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.
Internet; eHealth literacy; Health information; Digital divide; Europe