Factors Related to Internet Adoption and Its Use to Seek Health Information in Mexico

Abstract

ABSTRACT The Internet has the potential to be a valuable resource for the dissemination of health promotion information to the general population, mainly in conditions with well-developed health and digital literacy. Few studies have been undertaken on the adoption of the Internet by the Mexican population and its use to seek health information. The aim of this paper was to identify the factors that determine Internet adoption and its use by the heads of Mexican households for obtaining health information. This study used data taken from a probabilistic and cross-sectional national survey (National Survey on the Availability and Use of Information Technologies in Households, or ENDUTIH), applying an economic approach based on utility maximization theory. We estimated a univariate probit model for Internet adoption and a consecutive bivariate probit model with sample selection for the use of the Internet to seek health information. The software package was used to adjust and estimate the proposed models. The first model (Internet adoption) identified several factors related to digital divides in the country, while the second (Internet use to seek health information) identified various factors influencing online searches for health information, such as the following: being a woman; being an adult; having a higher level of education; having a higher income; having superior digital skills; and, living in an urban area. This study highlights the need to strengthen digital policy in order to improve access to and the adoption and efficient use of the Internet, particularly in terms of improving an individual’s engagement with their own health.