Gender Similarities and Differences for e-Health Behaviors Among U.S. Adults

BACKGROUND: Technology access and use are increasing worldwide. Adults can potentially use technology to assist with health promotion and medical care. INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of participation in online health-related activities between different genders of U.S. adults aged 18-90 years. METHODS: Primary data collected through a survey panel were used to examine associations between gender and technology ownership, Internet health-seeking behaviors and online behaviors related to health, having an app, and preferences for health information. Data were collected through an online survey panel of U.S. adults (n = 400) in March 2017. Results and Materials: Almost 75% had ever looked for health information and 56.8% had searched for information in the past month. About one-third of both genders (34.1%) reported tracking any health indicator regularly, and 24% had a health app. Compared with males, females were more likely to have ever sought health information online and to have a mobile app for health. No significant differences were observed between gender and individual or total e-health literacy scores. The top three preferences for health sources were Web sites (81.3%), in person (72.0%), and then print materials (72.0%). CONCLUSIONS: This study illustrates that U.S. adults are using the Internet for health activities; however, females are more likely to engage in different e-health behaviors than males. Additional research could determine the causal factors behind these group differences in the use of online healthcare and health implications in public health practice for each group.