Reducing intervention- and research-induced inequalities to tackle the digital divide in health promotion.
Int J Equity Health
; 22(1): 249, 2023 Dec 04.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38049789
ABSTRACT
Social inequalities are an important contributor to the global burden of disease within and between countries. Using digital technology in health promotion and healthcare is seen by some as a potential lever to reduce these inequalities; however, research suggests that digital technology risks re-enacting or evening widening disparities. Most research on this digital health divide focuses on a small number of social inequality indicators and stems from Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic (WEIRD) countries. There is a need for systematic, international, and interdisciplinary contextualized research on the impact of social inequality indicators in digital health as well as the underlying mechanisms of this digital divide across the globe to reduce health disparities. In June 2023, eighteen multi-disciplinary researchers representing thirteen countries from six continents came together to discuss current issues in the field of digital health promotion and healthcare contributing to the digital divide. Ways that current practices in research contribute to the digital health divide were explored, including intervention development, testing, and implementation. Based on the dialogue, we provide suggestions for overcoming barriers and improving practices across disciplines, countries, and sectors. The research community must actively advocate for system-level changes regarding policy and research to reduce the digital divide and so improve digital health for all.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Bases de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Exclusão Digital
Limite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Int J Equity Health
Ano de publicação:
2023
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Alemanha