Frontiers in Oncology (Jul 2023)

Digital technology for health shows disparities in cancer prevention between digital health technology users and the general population in Romania

  • Bogdan C. Pana,
  • Bogdan C. Pana,
  • Nicolae Ciufu,
  • Nicolae Ciufu,
  • Carmen Ciufu,
  • Carmen Ciufu,
  • Florentina L. Furtunescu,
  • Adina Turcu-Stiolica,
  • Laura Mazilu,
  • Laura Mazilu

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2023.1171699
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13

Abstract

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IntroductionDigital health services and technology are rapidly developing following the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to reveal the differences between users of digital health technology (DHT) and the general population with regard to cancer prevention.Materials and MethodsThis was an observational study on a conventional sample of 270 DHT users with completed data, performed in September 2021.ResultsA significant difference was observed in the proportion of DHT users and the general population reporting the screening test results, which was 2–6 times higher in the DHT group. Digital technologies applied to the “self-care” model were more suitable for internet-literate populations.DiscussionIncluding digital technologies in a self-care model may be more suitable for internet-literate individuals. Thus, in a preventative health organizational framework, DHT should be integrated and used at the primary care level in the general population to improve disparities in the preventative health domain.

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