title: eHealth patient-provider communication in the United States: interest, inequalities, and predictors.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Health-related Internet use and eHealth technologies, including online patient-provider communication (PPC), are continually being integrated into health care environments. This study aimed to describe sociodemographic and health- and Internet-related correlates that influence adult patients' interest in and electronic exchange of medical information with health care providers in the United States.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nationally representative cross-sectional data from the 2014 Health Information National Trends Survey ( N  = 3677) were analyzed. Descriptive statistics and multivariable regression analyses were performed to examine associations between patient-level characteristics and online PPC behavior and interests.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most respondents were Internet users (82.8%), and 61.5% of information seekers designated the Internet as their first source for health information. Younger respondents (<50 years), Hispanics, those from higher-income households, and those perceiving access to personal health information as important were more likely to be interested in online PPC. Despite varying levels of patient interest, 68.5% had no online PPC in the last year. However, Internet users (odds ratio, OR = 2.87, 95% CI, 1.35-6.08), college graduates (OR = 2.92, 95% CI, 1.42-5.99), and those with frequent provider visits (OR = 1.94, 95% CI, 1.02-3.71) had a higher likelihood of online PPC via email or fax, while Hispanics and those from higher-income households were 2-3 times more likely to communicate via text messaging or phone/mobile apps.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients' interest in and display of online PPC-related behaviors vary by age, race/ethnicity, education, income, Internet access/behaviors, and information type. These findings can inform efforts aimed at improving the use and adoption of eHealth technologies, which may contribute to a reduction in communication inequalities and health care disparities.
authors: Department of Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
authors: Kiara K
authors: KK
authors: Spooner
authors: Department of Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
authors: Jason L
authors: JL
authors: Salemi
authors: Department of Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
authors: Hamisu M
authors: HM
authors: Salihu
authors: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
authors: Roger J
authors: RJ
authors: Zoorob
mesh_terms: D022126:Access to Information; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003142:Communication; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D057226:Information Seeking Behavior; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: eHealth; electronic patient-provider communication; national health survey