Internet Use Among Urogynecology Patients in North Carolina.
OBJECTIVE
Given limited information regarding digital technology use among patients, we sought to evaluate Internet use among younger (<65 years) as compared to older (≥65 years) women and to assess factors associated with Internet use.


METHODS
We administered an anonymous questionnaire on digital technology use to English-speaking women who presented to our Urogynecology practice during a 1-month period. The questionnaire assessed the following sociodemographics: age, race, education, income, and insurance status. For our primary outcome, we assessed Internet use among younger versus older women. We also conducted a logistic regression analysis to evaluate the association of age with Internet use, while adjusting for potential confounders.


RESULTS
A total of 556 women presented during the study period. Among these women, 506 completed the survey, for a 91% response rate. There were 282 (55.7%) younger women and 222 (43.9%) older women. Most of the younger and older cohorts were white (77% vs 86.5%, P = 0.02). Younger women were more educated (79.8% vs 59.5% ≥ college education; P < 0.0001) and had a higher income (58.3% vs 39.8% ≥ $50,000; P < 0.0001). For our primary outcome, younger women were significantly more likely to use the Internet (93.8% vs 66.3%, P < 0.001). In a logistic regression model which adjusted for age, race, education, and income, younger women remained significantly more likely to use the Internet (odds ratio, 6.6; 95% CI, 3.4-13.0).


CONCLUSIONS
Although women younger than 65 years reported greater Internet use when compared to women 65 years or older, most of older women also used the Internet.
From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC.
Erinn M
EM
Myers
Lauren
L
Rustowicz
David
D
Wells
Juli B
JB
Kidd
Mary L
ML
Jannelli
AnnaMarie
A
Connolly
Jennifer M
JM
Wu
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D057220:Health Literacy; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D009657:North Carolina; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires