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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.

Original publication

DOI

10.1177/1359105317695429

Type

Journal article

Journal

J health psychol

Publication Date

10/2019

Volume

24

Pages

1668 - 1675

Keywords

digital divide, health literacy, internet access, internet use, logistic, regression, socio-demographic variables, Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Digital Divide, England, Female, Health Communication, Health Literacy, Humans, Information Seeking Behavior, Internet, Male, Middle Aged, Socioeconomic Factors, Surveys and Questionnaires, Young Adult