Superdiversity, migration and use of internet-based health information [Elektronisk resurs] results of a cross-sectional survey conducted in 4 European countries

• Background:Studies of factors associated with the use of Internet-based health information generally focus ongeneral, rather than migrant populations. This study looked into the reasons why Internet-based health informationis used and the effects of migration-related factors, other socio-demographic characteristics and health-relatedfactors on the tendency to consult the Internet.Methods:In a cross-sectional survey conducted in eight superdiverse neighbourhoods - two each in Birmingham, UnitedKingdom; Bremen, Germany; Lisbon, Portugal and Uppsala, Sweden - participantswere presented with six scenarios andasked to indicate the resources they most relied on when addressing a health concern from a given list. The scenariosincluded establishing the underlying causes of a health concern and seeking information about prescription drugs,treatments and services available as part of the public healthcare system. The list of resources included the public healthcaresystem, alternative medicine, family and friends, and the Internet. Frequencies for which the Internet was consulted for eachdifferent scenario were calculated and compared across the participating cities. The association between consulting Internet-based health information and migration-related factors, and further socio-demographic characteristicsaswellashealth-related factors such as self-reported health and health literacy was assessed using multivariable logistic regressions.Results:Of the 2570 participants from all four cities who were included in the analyses, 47% had a migrant background and35% originated from non-EU countries. About a third reportedrelying on Internet-based health information for at least oneof the given scenarios. The two most frequently chosen scenarios were to find out about other possible treatments andprescription drugs. Generally, using Internet-based health information was negatively associated with being a first generationmigrant (OR 0.65; 95% CI 0.46–0.93), having poor local language competency (OR 0.25; 95% CI 0.14–0.45), older age (≥60years, OR 0.21; 95% CI 0.15–0.31), low education (OR 0.35; 95% CI 0.24–0.50) and positively associated with low trust inphysicians (OR 2.13; 95% CI 1.47–3.10). Conclusion:Our findings indicate the need to consider migration background and language competency when promotingthe provision of healthcare servicesvia the Internet so that information and services are widely accessible. 

Ämnesord

Social Sciences  (hsv)

Samhällsvetenskap  (hsv)

Sociologi  (uu)

Sociology  (uu)

Genre

government publication  (marcgt)

Indexterm och SAB-rubrik

Internet-based health information

Migration

Digital divide