Barriers to Digital Health Utilization and Equity among Adults with HIV in New York City

• In Event: Aging and the Life Course Section Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (90 minute): 12: Structural Barriers and Vulnerability among Older Adults

Abstract

Digital health tools are becoming increasingly essential for accessing health information and resources and delivery of clinical care and supportive services. Recognizing the potential for digital tools to broaden access to care and monitoring and managing health conditions, a growing body of research has shown that the expansion of internet mediated health services has the potential to exacerbate rather than mitigate health inequities. The goal of this study is to examine barriers to access and effective use of digital health resources among a diverse community cohort sample of adults living with HIV. We found that one and five participants lacked access to minimal technology for digital health utilization (smartphone/computer and internet access). Digital literacy is an issue limiting the use of digital tools for accessing or monitoring personal health information, being in touch with providers, and using patient portals or participating in telehealth visits, especially among older PWH. Asking specifically about video based telehealth utilization, digital literacy was more of a barrier than lack of basic technology. However the most factor affecting telehealth use was concern about privacy and security of providing personally identifying information online. Concern with providing information online is a barrier to telehealth utilization across a range of client characteristics and life circumstances. Addressing both trust and skill-based barriers are essential to promote digital equity among people with HIV. Without intentional efforts to ensure equity, disparities will only increase among those already vulnerable.

Authors

• Angela A. Aidala, Columbia University

• Maiko Yomogida, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University

• Lilian Ha

• Iris Foster