JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Evidence suggests that eHealth tools adoption is associated with better health outcomes among various populations. The patterns and factors influencing eHealth adoption among the United States Medicaid population remains obscure.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to explore patterns of eHealth tools adoption among the Medicaid population, and examine factors associated with eHealth adoptions.

Methods:

Data from the Health Information National Trends Survey from 2017 to 2019 were used to estimate the patterns of eHealth tools adoption among Medicaid and non-Medicaid population. The effects of Medicaid insurance status and other influencing factors were assessed with logistic regression models.

Results:

Compared with the non-Medicaid population, the Medicaid beneficiaries had significantly lower eHeath tools adoption rates for health information management (11.2 to 17.5% less) and mobile health for self-regulation (0.8% to 9.7% less). Conversely, the Medicaid population had significantly higher adoption rates for using social media for health information than their counterpart (8% higher in 2018, P value = 0.01; 10.1% higher in 2019, P value = 0.01). Internet access diversity, education, and cardiovascular diseases were positively associated with health information management and mobile health for self-regulation among the Medicaid population. Internet access diversity is the only factor significantly associated with social media adoption for acquisition of health information (OR: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.26-3.11).

Conclusions:

Our results suggest digital disparities of eHealth tools adoption between the Medicaid and non-Medicaid populations. Future research should investigate behavioral correlates and develop interventions to improve eHealth adoption and use among underserved communities.