scholarly journals Internet use and need for digital health technology among the elderly: a cross-sectional survey in China

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xinran Sun ◽  
Wenxin Yan ◽  
Hao Zhou ◽  
Zhaoqing Wang ◽  
Xueying Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Internet Use ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Elderly Care ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Technologies ◽  
Use Of The Internet

Abstract Background China is becoming an aging society at the fastest pace in history, and there are a large number of empty nesters in the country. With economic and social development, internal support systems among families are gradually weakening. Supporting the elderly is thus emerging as a significant issue, and promoting digital health technologies is an effective way to help address it. Encouraging the application of Internet to elderly care and Internet use among the elderly are important means of promoting digital health technologies. This paper examines the current state of the use of the Internet by the elderly and factors influencing it (including physical, psychological, and social) as well as demand among the elderly for smart services. Methods A total of 669 subjects over the age of 60 years were randomly selected from 13 cities in Heilongjiang province and surveyed using questionnaires from May 1 to July 31, 2018. The questionnaires were collected for descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, and the analysis of influential factors. Results Of the people surveyed, 38.6% used the Internet. Their favorite online activity was online dating (74.2%), and the health information they obtained through the Internet was mainly related to diet (63.1%) and exercise (47.1%). The subjects demanded smart bracelets (MD = 2.80) and emergency callers (MD = 2.77). Gender, age, education, monthly income, quality of life, number of friends, and social participation were found to have an impact on Internet use. Conclusions More measures are needed to reduce barriers to the use of the Internet and promote digital health technologies. The society, equipment manufacturers, and family members of the elderly should work together to enable them to reap the benefits of online technologies.

scholarly journals Predictors of parental mediation in teenagers’ internet use: A cross-sectional study of female caregivers in Lahore, Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarosh Iqbal ◽  
Rubeena Zakar ◽  
Florian Fischer
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Parental Mediation ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Internet Safety ◽  
Use Of The Internet ◽  
Internet Mediation

Abstract Background The internet has become the most widely used medium among teenagers, who spend much of their time online, which raises parental concerns. Notwithstanding teens’ increased internet use and exposure to online risks, little is yet known about parental internet mediation in local settings. The present research aimed to assess the various dimensions of parental mediation to regulate teens’ use of the internet, and their predictors.Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the district of Lahore, Pakistan, among mothers/female caregivers of teens (aged 13–19 years). Only women were interviewed because they are more frequently engaged as primary caregivers than fathers or male caregivers. Furthermore, only qualified and working mothers from the top two professions among women, i.e. academia and medicine, were interviewed. A stratified random sampling technique was adopted, and 347 mothers were interviewed using face-to-face interviews at 11 universities and 11 hospitals/medical colleges. Data was entered and analysed using descriptive, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.Results The findings highlighted that more than 65% of respondents applied high active mediation of internet safety, around 60% used high active co-use mediation and more than 56% applied restrictive mediation. In addition, 36% of respondents monitored and 15.3% technically mediated to regulate their teens’ use of the internet. The results of the multivariate logistic regression revealed that the majority of respondents were more inclined to adopt active internet safety mediation if they had teens aged 16–19 years, with medium internet addiction, possessed good digital skills, felt confident about their teens’ coping appraisal to perform online protection, and considered their teens to have high self-esteem and resilience.Conclusions This research found that parental internet mediation is a multi-faceted concept used to regulate teens’ online activity and enhance a resilient approach to reduce the risks associated with use of the internet. The researchers recommend developing parental guidelines, e-safety resource material, local support networks and community programmes to educate parents, teachers and teens in order to raise awareness and promote resilient pathways amongst teens.

scholarly journals Predictors of parental mediation in teenagers’ internet use: A cross-sectional study of female caregivers in Lahore, Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarosh Iqbal ◽  
Rubeena Zakar ◽  
Florian Fischer
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Parental Mediation ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Internet Safety ◽  
Use Of The Internet ◽  
Internet Mediation

Abstract Background: The internet has become the most widely used medium among teenagers, who spend much of their time online, which raises parental concerns. Notwithstanding teens’ increased internet use and exposure to online risks, little is yet known about parental internet mediation in local settings. The present research aimed to assess the various dimensions of parental mediation to regulate teens’ use of the internet, and their predictors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the district of Lahore, Pakistan, among mothers/female caregivers of teens (aged 13–19 years). Only women were interviewed because they are more frequently engaged as primary caregivers than fathers or male caregivers. Furthermore, only qualified and working mothers from the top two professions among women, i.e. academia and medicine, were interviewed. A stratified random sampling technique was adopted, and 347 mothers were interviewed using face-to-face interviews at 11 universities and 11 hospitals/medical colleges. Data was entered and analysed using descriptive, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.Results: The findings highlighted that more than 65% of respondents applied high active mediation of internet safety, around 60% used high active co-use mediation and more than 56% applied restrictive mediation. In addition, 36% of respondents monitored and 15.3% technically mediated to regulate their teens’ use of the internet. The results of the multivariate logistic regression revealed that the majority of respondents were more inclined to adopt active internet safety mediation if they had teens aged 16–19 years, with medium internet addiction, possessed good digital skills, felt confident about their teens’ coping appraisal to perform online protection, and considered their teens to have high self-esteem and resilience. Conclusions: This research found that parental internet mediation is a multi-faceted concept used to regulate teens’ online activity and enhance a resilient approach to reduce the risks associated with use of the internet. The researchers recommend developing parental guidelines, e-safety resource material, local support networks and community programmes to educate parents, teachers and teens in order to raise awareness and promote resilient pathways amongst teens.

A cross-sectional survey among physicians on Internet use for epilepsy-related information (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Brigo ◽  
Simona Lattanzi ◽  
Giorgia Giussani ◽  
Laura Tassi ◽  
Nicola Pietrafusa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Internet Use ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
Therapeutic Decisions ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Web

BACKGROUND The Internet has become one of the most important sources of health information, accessed daily by an ever-growing number of both patients and physicians, seeking medical advice and clinical guidance. A deeper insight into the current use of the Web as source of information on epilepsy would help in clarifying the individual attitude towards this medium by Internet users. OBJECTIVE We investigated views towards the Internet in a sample of Italian healthcare specialists involved in epilepsy field, to explore factors which explained the influence of information found on the internet. METHODS This study was a self-administered survey conducted in a group of members of the Italian Chapter of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) in January 2018. RESULTS 184 questionnaires were analyzed. 97.8% of responders reported to seek online information on epilepsy. The Internet was most frequently searched to obtain new information (69.9%) or to confirm a diagnostic or therapeutic decision (37.3%). The influence of consulting the Internet on clinical practice was associated with registration to social network(s) (OR: 2.94; 95%CI: 1.28-6.76; p=0.011), higher frequency of Internet use (OR: 3.66; 95%CI: 1.56-9.21; p=0.006) and higher confidence in reliability of online information (OR: 2.61; 95%CI: 1.09-6.26; p=0.031). No association was found with age, sex, years in epilepsy practice or easiness to find online information. CONCLUSIONS Internet is frequently used among healthcare professionals involved in the epilepsy to obtain information about this disease. The attitude of being influenced by the Internet for diagnostic and/or therapeutic decisions in epilepsy is independent on age and years of experience in epilepsy, and probably reflects an individual approach towards the Web.

scholarly journals A cross sectional survey of internet use among a highly socially disadvantaged population of tobacco smokers

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sam McCrabb ◽  
Laura Twyman ◽  
Kerrin Palazzi ◽  
Ashleigh Guillaumier ◽  
Christine Paul ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Internet Access ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Disadvantaged Population ◽  
Socially Disadvantaged ◽  
Frequent Use ◽  
Device Use

Abstract Background Tobacco smoking is highest among population groups which are the most socially disadvantaged. Internet-based smoking cessation programs have been found to be effective, though rates of internet access are not well known in these groups. This study describes the rates of internet use and types of technology used to access the internet by a population of socially disadvantaged smokers. The study also examined relationships between sociodemographic and smoking behaviours with amount of internet use and type of device used. Methods A cross-sectional survey of 369 clients (response rate 77%) from two non-government community service organisations in metropolitan New South Wales, Australia was conducted using touchscreen computers. Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions were used to examine results. Results Eligible participants ranged from 19 to 88 years old current tobacco users. Over half (58%) of the participants reported weekly or more frequent use of the internet with less than a third (28%) not having any access. The odds of using the internet at least weekly decreased with age and as heaviness of smoking increased (OR = 0.94, p < 0.001; OR = 0.81, p = 0.022, respectively). Odds of internet use were higher as income increased (OR = 2.74, p < 0.001 for individuals earning $201–$400 per week; OR = 2.83, p = 0.006 for individuals earning > $400 per week). Device use differed for age and income. Conclusions Internet-based interventions appear to reach the majority of socially disadvantaged populations. It is expected that this reach will continue to grow, making internet-based interventions a potential platform for providing care to low socioeconomic individuals who smoke, however inequalities may be exacerbated for those individual without internet access. Implications Internet use among socially disadvantaged tobacco users is moderate (58%). An internet-based smoking cessation intervention for socially disadvantaged tobacco users may be an effective intervention however, older, heavier tobacco users may not benefit as easily due to limited internet access and therefore acknowledging these limitations when developing an intervention can help to acknowledge limitation of intervention reach.

scholarly journals Does Ageism Widen the Digital Divide? And Does It Vary by Gender?

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 315-315
Author(s):  
Eun Young Choi ◽  
Youngsun Kim ◽  
Edson Chipalo ◽  
Hee Yun Lee
Keyword(s):  
Digital Divide ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Interaction Effects ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Use Of The Internet ◽  
Retirement Study

Abstract Existing literature informed that ageism might affect Internet use among older adults, further widening the digital divide among age groups. However, little empirical studies have been conducted on this topic. Our study aims to investigate (1) the current use of the Internet by gender, (2) the association between ageism and Internet use, and (3) potential gender differences. A cross-sectional data drawn from the 2016 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) was analyzed. Separate multiple regression analyses were conducted by gender to determine the varying impact of ageism on Internet use. We used two types of ageism (1) internal ageism (ingroup discrimination) and (2) external ageism (discrimination from external entities) to observe each type’s contribution to Internet use. About half of the sample (52% male and 54% female) reported using the Internet “daily,” while a quarter (26% male and 25% female) responded, “never/not relevant.” No significant differences between gender were found in levels of Internet use, the rates of external ageism, or the degree of internal ageism. A higher level of ageism was associated with a lower level of Internet use. Interaction effects between age groups and ageism varied across gender: external ageism had interaction effects on men’s Internet use whereas internal ageism showed significant results for women. Our findings suggest that ageism may influence Internet use and its impact differs by gender. Gender-tailored intervention strategies should be developed to help older individuals to diminish the adverse effects of ageism on Internet use.

scholarly journals Internet utilization for health information and its associated factors among undergraduate students in Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia - A cross sectional study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mintesnot Hawaze Derseh ◽  
Kassahun Dessie Gashu ◽  
Tekeba Meshesha ◽  
Baye Ashenafi ◽  
Abebe Getachew Wolde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Information ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Addis Ababa ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Addis Ababa University

Abstract Background: Utilization of Internet is critical to retrieve health information particularly for countries where health care delivery system is incongruent with its population otherwise it could be difficult to address all health problems of the people with limited health professionals. This study sought to determine the magnitude of the Internet use for health information and its associated factors.Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the status of Internet utilization to access health information and its associated factors among the undergraduate students in Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia.Methods: A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted among 845 undergraduate students who were selected by Stratified multi-stage sampling from 19 randomly selected departments of Addis Ababa University. Data were collected from March to April 2019 using a pretested structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data were entered in to Epi-Info version 7 and exported to the SPSS version 23 for analysis. A binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between the study and outcome variables. Result: Almost all 761 (98.8%) of the University students have ever used the Internet for general purposes. Among these the proportion of Internet use, about 59.1% (95% CI: 55.5-62.7) of them used the Internet for health information. Adjusting for all other factors in the final model, Digital health literacy (AOR=1.656, 95% CI: (1.143, 2.397), field of study (AOR= 0.025, 95% CI: (0.007, 0.087), year of study (AOR= 1.609, 95% CI: (1.130, 2.290), and computer device ownership (AOR= 2.314, 95% CI: (1.392, 3.844) were found to be significantly associated with the Internet use for health information.Conclusion: The proportion of Internet use for health information was found to be lower. Digital health literacy, being health science student, year of study and computer ownership were found to be important predictors.

scholarly journals Habits and Attitudes of Video Gaming and Information Technology Use in People with Schizophrenia: Cross-Sectional Survey (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
William TH Choi ◽  
Dan KS Yu ◽  
Terry Wong ◽  
Tella Lantta ◽  
Min Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Video Games ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Video Gaming ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based

BACKGROUND Information technology and video gaming have potential advantages in the treatment of schizophrenia. However, information regarding the habits and attitudes related to internet use and video gaming in people with schizophrenia is limited. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore the habits and attitudes regarding video gaming and information technology usage and their associated factors in people with schizophrenia in Hong Kong. METHODS In this cross-sectional survey, service users with schizophrenia were recruited from 6 halfway hostels and 7 integrated centers for mental wellness in Hong Kong. A 79-item self-report questionnaire was utilized to explore the habits of internet use and video gaming in these people with schizophrenia. The attitude toward video gaming was assessed using the Gaming Attitudes, Motivations, and Experiences Scales. Of the 148 individuals in a convenience sample who were invited to participate in this study, 110 willingly participated (a response rate of 74.3%). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, a two-tailed independent t test, Pearson correlation, and principal analysis with 3 methods of rotation (varimax, equimax, and promax). RESULTS Most participants (100/110, 90.9%) had access to the internet and half of them (54/110, 49.1%) used the internet daily mostly to watch videos (66/110, 60.0%) or read news or books, etc (42/110, 38.2%). One-third of the participants (36/110, 32.7%) used the internet to play web-based games, and most of them (88/110, 80.0%) had played a video game in the past year. The most favorable gaming platforms were cellular phones (43/88, 49%) followed by computers (19/88, 22%) and arcade cabinets (6/88, 7%). The most favorable game genre was action games (34/145, 23.4%). Those who had a bachelor’s degree or higher scored lower in social interaction than those with a lower education level (<i>P</i>=.03). Those who played video games daily scored higher in the category of story than those who did not play daily (t<sub>86</sub>=2.03, <i>P</i>=.05). The most popular gaming category was autonomy and the least popular categories were violent catharsis and violent reward. Two motives, “social playing” and “evasive playing,” were formed to describe the characteristics of playing video games. CONCLUSIONS Our data showed a high internet utilization rate among people with schizophrenia in Hong Kong. Only a few of them used the internet to search for health-related information. Our study also exemplified the unique habits of gaming among the participants. Health care professionals could utilize video games to engage people with schizophrenia and promote coping with stress and provide social skills training to such people with schizophrenia. Identification of the gaming attitudes can contribute to the development of serious games for the schizophrenic population. Further investigation is vital for the promotion of mental health through web-based platforms.

Abstract P135: The Role Of Digital Health In The Management Of Hypertension

Hypertension ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 78 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Onoriode Kesiena ◽  
Kofi Seffah ◽  
Navin Kumar ◽  
Eunice Hama
Keyword(s):  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Health Technologies ◽  
Medical Appointment ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Use Of The Internet ◽  
Chi Square Analysis

Introduction: Digital health involves the use of technology to delivery health care. It is associated with improved clinical outcomes in various populations. We assessed its role in medication adherence in adults with hypertension. Methods: Data from the 2018 National Health Interview Survey data was used. We analyzed 8,224 respondents with hypertension representing about 69 million United States adults. The independent variables were: Use of the internet to (1) to look up health information (2) to fill a prescription and (3) to schedule a medical appointment and use of an email (4) to communicate with a healthcare provider. The dependent variable was anti-hypertensive medication adherence. Chi-square analysis was used to identify group differences and a logistic regression was used to analyze the association between digital health utilization and anti-hypertensive medication adherence. Results: Of the study population, 7,387/8,224 (89.8%) of the respondents reported adherence to anti-hypertensive medications. Those who were adherent were predominantly > 65 years of age, 4141/7387 (47.8%) and earned > $75,000/yearly, 580/2581 (25.2%). The use of internet to look up health information as compared to those who do not, was associated with 30% reduced odds of medication adherence [OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.59, 0.86, p=<.001]. However, this was insignificant after adjusting for covariates [AOR 0.92, 95% CI 0.89, 1.22, p=0.551]. Using the internet to fill up prescription as compared to those who do not, was associated with 47% odds of medication adherence [OR 1.47, CI 1.14,1.90, p=0.003]. This odd increased further after adjusting for covariates [AOR 1.95, CI 1.37,2.78, p=<.001]. No significant association was found in the relationship between medication adherence and scheduling a medical appointment with the internet or communicating with a provider via email even after adjusting for covariates. Conclusion: Increase adherence to anti-hypertensive medications is associated with online refill of prescriptions. This means that the use of digital health technologies in hypertensive populations can lead to better health outcomes. Future studies should evaluate other aspects of digital health use in hypertensive populations.

scholarly journals Predictors of parental mediation in teenagers’ internet use: a cross-sectional study of female caregivers in Lahore, Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarosh Iqbal ◽  
Rubeena Zakar ◽  
Florian Fischer
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Parental Mediation ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Internet Safety ◽  
Highly Active ◽  
Use Of The Internet ◽  
Internet Mediation

Abstract Background The internet has become the most widely used medium among teenagers, who spend much of their time online, which raises parental concerns. Notwithstanding teens’ increased internet use and exposure to online risks, little is yet known about parental internet mediation in local settings. The present research aimed to assess the various dimensions of parental mediation to regulate teens’ use of the internet and their predictors. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the district of Lahore, Pakistan, among mothers/female caregivers of teens (aged 13–19 years). Only women were interviewed because they are more frequently engaged as primary caregivers than fathers or male caregivers. Furthermore, only qualified and working mothers from the top two professions among women, i.e. academia and medicine, were interviewed. A stratified random sampling technique was adopted, and 347 mothers were interviewed using face-to-face interviews at 11 universities and 11 hospitals/medical colleges. Data were entered and analysed using descriptive, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results The findings highlighted that more than 65% of respondents applied highly active mediation of internet safety, around 60% used highly active co-use mediation and more than 56% applied restrictive mediation. In addition, 36% of respondents monitored and 15.3% technically mediated to regulate their teens’ use of the internet. The results of the multivariate logistic regression revealed that the majority of respondents were more inclined to adopt active internet safety mediation if they had teens aged 16–19 years, with medium internet addiction, possessed good digital skills, felt confident about their teens’ coping appraisal to perform online protection, and considered their teens to have high self-esteem and resilience. Conclusions This research found that parental internet mediation is a multifaceted concept used to regulate teens’ online activity and enhance a resilient approach to reduce the risks associated with use of the internet. The researchers recommend developing parental guidelines, e-safety resource material, local support networks and community programmes to educate parents, teachers and teens in order to raise awareness and promote resilient pathways amongst teens.

The use of online health related information by medical students and their trust in the retrieved information

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reza Khajouei ◽  
Zahra Karbasi ◽  
Moghaddameh Mirzaee ◽  
Arefeh Ameri ◽  
Leila Ahmadian
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Health Information ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Use Of The Internet

Abstract Background The Internet plays an important role in attaining health related information and its importance is growing worldwide. The majority of Internet users are university students. However, their use of the Internet for health information has not been well studied. The objective of this study was to examine the use of the Internet by medical students to search for health information. Methods This cross-sectional survey was performed on a sample of 400 Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacology students selected from three faculties. The data were collected using a valid and reliable questionnaire designed based on the review of the published literature and advice of a panel of experts. Data were analyzed by SPSS 20 using Chi-square and Logistic regression.Results In this study 261 (65.2%) students used the Internet to search for health information. Most of them (n=175, 67%) somewhat trusted the reliability of information on the Internet. Women used the Internet to search for health information 1.74 times than men (p=0.016) and Medicine students 1.7 times than Pharmacology students (p=0.04). The majority of 20-30 years old students believed that using Internet had no effect on their visits to physicians(p=<0.0001). It reduced the number of visits in all students older than 30. Conclusions The content of online resources needs to be monitored in terms of its credibility for using by students especially those involved in health care domain. Based on our findings most students somewhat trusted the online health information. This is promising for the universities to plan for investment on online education and materials.

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