Determinants of Access to Health Information on the Internet by Indonesian Women (2017 IDHS Analysis)

Abstract

Background: Women use the Internet more often to access health information than men. Objective: This study aims to analyze the socio-demographic effect on women's access to health information via the Internet in Indonesia. Methods: This study uses data from the 2017 Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey (IDHS). The sample include 19,389 women aged 15-54 years. The independent variables include age, education, working status, ownership index, type and area of residence. The dependent variable is the use of the internet to access health information. Data analysis with Chi-Square and binary logistics using the Stata application version 15.1. Results: Education level, age, wealth index, working status, type and area of residence were found to influence the behavior of Indonesian women in searching for health information through the Internet. Health information is sought more frequently by women who are younger, highly educated than older people and by those who have higher levels of wealth and status as working women. In addition, the search for health information is more often carried out in urban areas than in rural areas, and more in western Indonesia than in eastern Indonesia. Conclusion: Access to health information by Indonesian women on the Internet is influenced by various socio-demographic factors, taking into account sociodemographic characteristics and differences, all women should have equal access to reliable health information