Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare (Nov 2023)
Examining Ethnic Disparities in Digital Healthcare Services Utilization: Insights from Israel
Abstract
Samira Obeid,1,2 Michal Mashiach-Eizenberg,3 Amit Gur,3 Ilana Lavy4 1Department of Nursing, The Max Stern Yezreel Valley College, Yezreel Valley, Israel; 2Public Health Research Department, North District, the Ministry of Health, Nof Hagalil, Israel; 3Department of Health Systems Management, The Max Stern Yezreel Valley College, Yezreel Valley, Israel; 4Department of Information Systems, The Max Stern Yezreel Valley College, Yezreel Valley, IsraelCorrespondence: Samira Obeid, The Max Stern Yezreel Valley College, Emek Yezreel, 1930600, Israel, Tel +972-4- 6557894 ; +972-50-624-3784, Email [email protected]: The purpose of this study was to examine ethnic disparities in the utilization of digital healthcare services (DHS) in Israel and explore the characteristics and factors influencing DHS use among the Arab minority and Jewish majority populations.Methods: A cross-sectional correlational design was employed to collect data from 606 Israeli participants, 445 Jews, and 161 Arabs. Participants completed a digital questionnaire that assessed DHS utilization, digital health literacy, attitudes towards DHS, and demographic variables.Results: The findings reveal significant disparities in DHS utilization and attitudes between these ethnic groups, with Jewish participants demonstrating higher rates of utilization and positive attitudes toward DHS. The study also explores the predictive role of digital health literacy and attitudes in DHS use while considering ethnicity as a potential moderator. Significant predicting factors related to DHS utilization among Jews include positive attitudes and high health literacy. Among the Arabs, only attitudes towards DHS significantly predict the extent of DHS use. Digital health literacy affects the extent of use through attitudes at the two groups of the moderator significantly, but it is stronger among the Arab group.Conclusion: To improve healthcare outcomes and reduce disparities, efforts should focus on ensuring equitable access to DHS for the Arab minority population. Targeted interventions, including digital literacy education, removing technology access barriers, offering services in Arabic, and collaborating with community organizations, can help bridge the gap and promote equal utilization of DHS.Keywords: health literacy, digital health literacy, Arabs, minority, Jews
