title: E-health use in african american internet users: can new tools address old disparities?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Web-based health information may be of particular value among the African American population due to its potential to reduce communication inequalities and empower minority groups. This study explores predictors of e-health behaviors and activities for African American Internet users.
  
  
  METHODS
  We used the 2010 Pew Internet and American Life Health Tracking Survey to examine sociodemographic and health status predictors of e-health use behaviors among African Americans. E-health use behaviors included searching for e-health information, conducting interactive health-related activities, and tracking health information online.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the African American subsample, 55% (n=395) were at least "occasional" Internet users. Our model suggests that searching for health information online was positively associated with being helped/knowing someone helped by online information (odds ratio [OR]=5.169) and negatively associated with lower income (OR=0.312). Interactive health activities were associated with having a college education (OR=3.264), being 65 years of age or older (OR=0.188), having a family member living with chronic conditions (OR=2.191), having a recent medical crisis (OR=2.863), and being helped/knowing someone helped by online information (OR=8.335). E-tracking behaviors were significantly stronger among African Americans who had health insurance (OR=3.907), were helped/knowing someone helped by online information (OR=4.931), and were social media users (OR=4.799).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings suggest significant differences in e-health information-seeking behaviors among African American Internet users-these differences are mostly related to personal and family health concerns and experiences. Targeted online e-health resources and interventions can educate and empower a significant subset of the population.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio.
authors.forename: Deena J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Chisolm
authors.forename: Madhurima
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sarkar
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D057226:Information Seeking Behavior; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: African Americans; Internet use; e-health