Computer use, internet access, and online health searching among Harlem adults.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Computer use, Internet access, and online searching for health information were assessed toward enhancing Internet use for health promotion. DESIGN: Cross-sectional random digit dial landline phone survey. SETTING: Eight zip codes that comprised Central Harlem/Hamilton Heights and East Harlem in New York City. SUBJECTS: Adults 18 years and older (N=646). MEASURES: Demographic characteristics, computer use, Internet access, and online searching for health information. ANALYSIS: Frequencies for categorical variables and means and standard deviations for continuous variables were calculated and compared with analogous findings reported in national surveys from similar time periods. RESULTS: Among Harlem adults, ever computer use and current Internet use were 77% and 52%, respectively. High-speed home Internet connections were somewhat lower for Harlem adults than for U.S. adults overall (43% vs. 68%). Current Internet users in Harlem were more likely to be younger, white vs. black or Hispanic, better educated, and in better self-reported health than non-current users (p<.01). Of those who reported searching online for health information, 74% sought information on medical problems and thought that information found on the Internet affected the way they eat (47%) or exercise (44%). CONCLUSIONS: Many Harlem adults currently use the Internet to search for health information. High-speed connections and culturally relevant materials may facilitate health information searching for underserved groups.