Internet access for delivery of health information to South Australians older than 50.
OBJECTIVE
An exploratory study to determine the proportion of people aged 50-76 years who have Internet access, the location of this access, predictive characteristics of such access, and preparedness to receive unsolicited health information through this medium.


METHODS
A random sample of 1,000 South Australians was identified from the Australian Electoral Commission roll and contacted by telephone in 2006. They were invited to answer questions about their access to the Internet and attitude towards receiving unsolicited health information via the Internet.


RESULTS
Of those contacted, 41% provided information. Of this group, 59% indicated that they had Internet access, mostly at home. Men were more likely than women to have home access (p<0.05). Higher educational achievement, higher economic status and younger age were all significantly associated with access. Of those who had access, 65% would be willing to receive health information through the Internet.


CONCLUSIONS
More than half the population older than 50 years has access to the Internet at some location, and there is a general acceptance of the possibility of receiving health-promoting material via this medium. However, delivery via the Internet alone would disadvantage those who are less educated, less financially well off and older.


CONCLUSIONS
It is likely that a generational change in the entire nature of public communication will influence the efficiency and effectiveness of preventive health promotion delivery via the Internet. In order to facilitate improved health outcomes, issues of disparity of access must be addressed.
Wilson
Carlene
C
CSIRO, Human Nutrition and Preventative Health Flagship, South Australia, Australia. carlene.wilson@flinders.edu.au
Flight
Ingrid
I
Hart
Elizabeth
E
Turnbull
Deborah
D
Cole
Steve
S
Young
Graeme
G
D022126:Access to Information; D000368:Aged; D054626:Consumer Health Information; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013021:South Australia