Assessing the Relationship Between Health Information Technology Use and Self-Rated Health Among Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain in the United States

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To assess the use of health information technology (HIT) among adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP) in the United States and to evaluate the relationship between HIT use and self-rated health. METHODS The independent variable was the use of the internet to (1) fill prescriptions, (2) communicate with a healthcare provider, (3) look up health information, and (4) schedule a medical appointment. Respondents rated their health in the last 12 months as worse, about the same, or better. A Chi-square analysis was used to assess the use of HIT among those with CLBP; a logistic regression was used to determine predictors of HIT use; and an ordinal logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between HIT and self-rated health. RESULTS As compared to those without CLBP, those with CLBP are more likely to use the internet to look up health information (58.9 vs. 53.8%, p-value