The effects of internet and technology use on the ability to care for own health among the U.S. populations: An analysis from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 7)
1
Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Public Health, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, United States
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
In the age of artificial intelligence, the use of the internet and technology, such as a desktop computer or laptop, smartphone, tablet, and smartwatch or other electronic wearable device, has become an important part of people’s daily lives.1–3 The goal of this study was to determine how internet and technology use relates to confidence in the ability to care for own health among the United States populations.
METHODS:
The Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 7), collected from March to September 2024, was used.4 The final HINTS 7 sample size was 7,278 respondents, with the overall household response rate of 28.1%. Hierarchical survey-weighted nested logistic regression models were designed: Model 1 for demographic factors (age, marital status, education, race/ethnicity, household size, and number of children in the household), Models 2-4 for internet and technology use (internet use frequency, health-related internet use, and internet connection satisfaction, health apps, tracking health, and sharing health data), Models 5-8 for digital literacy and mental health status, and Model 9 for incorporating all variables.
RESULTS:
While the majority of digital engagement variables—internet use frequency, health-related internet use, health app use, tracking health, sharing health information, social media engagement, and trust in social media health information—were not statistically significant, internet connection satisfaction remained a significant predictor (OR = 1.31) for health self-care confidence, after adjusting for all the other factors. Regarding positive mental health and digital literacy, they showed a strong positive association with the ability to care for own health (OR = 11.41; OR = 1.29, respectively). The interaction between positive mental health and digital literacy was statistically significant (OR = 0.86).
CONCLUSIONS:
Health policies and interventions focused on establishing reliable internet infrastructure and implementing education for digital literacy would improve people’s ability to care for their own health.
In the age of artificial intelligence, the use of the internet and technology, such as a desktop computer or laptop, smartphone, tablet, and smartwatch or other electronic wearable device, has become an important part of people’s daily lives.1–3 The goal of this study was to determine how internet and technology use relates to confidence in the ability to care for own health among the United States populations.
METHODS:
The Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 7), collected from March to September 2024, was used.4 The final HINTS 7 sample size was 7,278 respondents, with the overall household response rate of 28.1%. Hierarchical survey-weighted nested logistic regression models were designed: Model 1 for demographic factors (age, marital status, education, race/ethnicity, household size, and number of children in the household), Models 2-4 for internet and technology use (internet use frequency, health-related internet use, and internet connection satisfaction, health apps, tracking health, and sharing health data), Models 5-8 for digital literacy and mental health status, and Model 9 for incorporating all variables.
RESULTS:
While the majority of digital engagement variables—internet use frequency, health-related internet use, health app use, tracking health, sharing health information, social media engagement, and trust in social media health information—were not statistically significant, internet connection satisfaction remained a significant predictor (OR = 1.31) for health self-care confidence, after adjusting for all the other factors. Regarding positive mental health and digital literacy, they showed a strong positive association with the ability to care for own health (OR = 11.41; OR = 1.29, respectively). The interaction between positive mental health and digital literacy was statistically significant (OR = 0.86).
CONCLUSIONS:
Health policies and interventions focused on establishing reliable internet infrastructure and implementing education for digital literacy would improve people’s ability to care for their own health.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
