JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Use of health information technology (HIT) is proposed as a means to improve disease management in those with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).

Objective:

This study reports the prevalence of HIT use in U.S. adults with diabetes and examines sociodemographic factors and obesity status associated with HIT utilization.

Methods:

We analyzed data from 8,012 adults who self-reported a diabetes diagnosis collected by the National Health Interview Survey (2016-2018). All analyses were weighted to account for the complex survey design.

Results:

Overall, 42.8% of adults with diabetes reported looking up health information online, and 24.4% used electronic health (e-health) services (defined as filled a prescription online, scheduled appointment with healthcare provider online, or communicated with healthcare provider by email). In multivariable models, those more likely to use HIT online were women (vs. male), Prevalence Ratio (PR) = 1.17; 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI), 1.10-1.24), had higher attained education (above college vs. less than high school, PR=3.62, 95% CI, 3.02 – 4.34), had higher income (vs. poor), PR=1.40, 95% CI, 1.23-1.60), or were obese (vs. normal weight; PR=1.10, 95% CI, 1.00-1.21). Similar associations were observed between sociodemographic characteristics and the use of e-health services.

Conclusions:

Among adults with diabetes, HIT use was lower in those who were older, racial minority, had less formal education, or had lower household income. Health education interventions to promote HIT must account for socioeconomic factors.