Technology Use Among Patients in a Nonurban Southern U.S. HIV Clinic in 2015
Mahlatse B Modipane, Ava Lena Waldman, Lee Ritterband, Rebecca Dillingham, Linda Bullock, Karen S Ingersoll, Mahlatse B Modipane, Ava Lena Waldman, Lee Ritterband, Rebecca Dillingham, Linda Bullock, Karen S Ingersoll
Abstract
Background: Behavioral interventions can be delivered over the Internet, but nonurban subpopulations living with HIV may still have inadequate Internet access to make this feasible.
Methods: We report on a survey conducted in 2015 among 150 patients receiving care at a university-based Infectious Disease Clinic serving a nonurban and rural population in central Virginia. Our aim was to determine the rate of computer, tablet, and smartphone usage, as well as Internet access, to inform the delivery of a novel intervention using Internet and mobile technology.
Results: The participants' mean age was 46; 111 patients used computers, 101 used smartphones, and 41 used tablets. The results showed that 87% of patients had Internet access. Of those, 49 reported daily Internet use, while 18% reported weekly Internet use, and 33% reported less frequent Internet use.
Conclusions: The survey study data suggest that Internet access among nonurban and rural patients with HIV is adequate to support trials testing Internet-delivered interventions. It is time to develop and deliver Internet interventions tailored for this often isolated subpopulation.
Keywords: Internet access; m-health; nonurban; people living with HIV; rural.
Conflict of interest statement
Statement No competing financial interests exist.
Source: PubMed