Patterns of digital information and communication technology use among patients at primary health care centres in Colombia: Phase I of the DIADA project.

objectiveAssess the prevalence and types of digital technology use, as well as the extent to which patients use the internet and mobile devises. Evaluate the socioeconomic characteristics of patients and the possible relation to patterns of technology use in Colombia. Understand the nature of patient technology use in primary care for finding medical information.

methodsA survey was applied to adult patients who attended primary health care centers systems in 6 Colombian cities. The survey inquired about demographic characteristics, insurance, access to services, cell phone use, internet access, and the use of such technology to access health-related services and information. Data was collected and managed using REDCap. Summary statistics on each survey item were calculated and the differences between discrete variables were analyzed using chi-square. Multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression analysis for binary dependent variables.

resultsA total of 1580 patients were surveyed across the six study sites. 93% of the patients reported they have a cell phone. Patients from urban healthcare centers showed a higher use of the Internet on their phone than less urban settings. Around half of the surveyed patients reported Internet use (49.7%). Among Internet users, 65% of participants use the Internet looking for health care information. Around one-third of patients use cellphones to arrange clinic visits. Around 24% of participants answered positively for both Whooley's questions. Of those who screened positive on the Whooley questions, 43% reported being moderately anxious, 47% reported being very anxious. 51% reported having moderate pain; 52% reported having severe pain.

conclusionsThe patterns of technology use identified in this study are essential for developing future health interventions based on ICT. The design of ICT clinical interventions must take into account the cellphone payment plans, availability of internet connection, advantages, and disadvantages of messenger services, including SMS as a possible alternative to people who do not have smartphones.