Digital technology use among disadvantaged Australians: implications for equitable consumer participation in digitally-mediated communication and information exchange with health services.
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2012-05-25
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To present research findings on access to and use of digital information and communication technologies ICTs by Australians from lower income and disadvantaged backgrounds to determine implications for equitable consumer access to digitally mediated health services and information METHODS Focus groups were held in 2008 09 with 80 residents from lower income and disadvantaged backgrounds in South Australia predominantly of working and family formation age 25 to 55 years Qualitative analysis was conducted on a priori and emergent themes to describe dominant categories RESULTS Access to and use of computers the Internet and mobile phones varied considerably in extent frequency and quality within and across groups due to differences in abilities resources and life experience Barriers and facilitators included English literacy including for native speakers technological literacy education income housing situation social connection health status employment status and trust Many people gained ICT skills by trial and error or help from friends and only a few from formal programs resulting in varied skills CONCLUSION The considerable variation in ICT access and use within lower income and disadvantaged groups must be acknowledged and accommodated by health initiatives and services when delivering digitally mediated consumer provider interaction online health information or online self management of health conditions If services require consumers to participate in a digitally mediated communication exchange then we suggest they might support skills and technology acquisition or provide non ICT alternatives in order to avoid exacerbating health inequities