Factors associated with health information technology use in adults recently diagnosed with cancer: NHIS 2012-2017.

Abstract

e18673 Background: Electronic health information technology (HIT) usage among U.S. adults nearly doubled between 2007 and 2014. HIT utilization has been associated with improvement in health literacy, care coordination, provider access, and quality of care. Despite the positive influence of HIT, disparities regarding its usage exist. Individuals more likely to seek cancer prevention information online are younger, Non-Hispanic White, and highly educated. While individuals diagnosed with cancer are likely to research health information online, limited attention has focused on factors associated with HIT use among adults with cancer. The purpose of this study was to identify sociodemographic, behavioral, and health factors associated with HIT use among adults recently diagnosed with cancer. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis using the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) 2012-2017 was conducted. Adults diagnosed with cancer within 12 months of taking the survey and reported a response to all five HIT variables (using the internet for health information, scheduling an appointment, using chat rooms for health information, filling a prescription online, and emailing a medical provider) were included (N = 3136). Survey-weighted proportions and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for all categorical variables, and survey-weighted means and 95% CIs were estimated for continuous variables. Multiple logistic regression models were used to estimate factors associated with overall and individual HIT use. Results: Among U.S. adults with cancer utilizing HIT (51%), the highest usage was looking up health information online (53.37%) and the lowest usage was seen in using online chat groups to learn about health topics (3.04%). There was a higher prevalence in Non-Hispanic Whites looking up health information on the internet and scheduling an appointment; Asians filling a prescription online; and Non-Hispanic Blacks using online chat groups. For a one-unit increase in the number of non-cancer chronic conditions, the odds of using any HIT decreased by a factor of 0.15; p-value=< 0.0001. After adjusting for covariates, significant factors related to any HIT use were identified in patients that were younger; female; Asian and Non-Hispanic White; and had health insurance, higher education, and higher income. Conclusions: Adults recently diagnosed with cancer are increasingly utilizing the internet to find health information but use varies across subgroups. These data could be utilized to direct future research investigating the influence of certain types of HIT interventions on access to health care.