Digital Health Access Inequality and Its Epidemiological Impact on Preventive Healthcare Utilization: A Community-Based Survey from India

K. Venkata Gopaiah¹*, Ch. Gopala Krishna² and Ramya Teja Medarametla³

Abstract

Background:
Rapid expansion of digital health technologies has transformed healthcare delivery worldwide; however, unequal access to digital resources remains a major public health concern in low- and middle-income countries. In India, disparities in digital access may influence the utilization of preventive healthcare services, thereby contributing to avoidable epidemiological inequalities. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of digital health access inequality and to examine its association with preventive healthcare utilization in a community-based population.

Materials and Methods:
A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among adults aged ≥18 years residing in urban and semi-urban communities in India. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing socio-demographic characteristics, digital health access indicators (smartphone ownership, internet availability, digital literacy, and use of digital health services), and utilization of preventive healthcare services, including routine health check-ups and screening for common non-communicable diseases. Descriptive statistics were used to estimate prevalence rates, and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify associations between digital health access and preventive healthcare utilization.

Results:
Among the surveyed participants, substantial inequalities were observed in access to digital health resources. Individuals with adequate digital access demonstrated significantly higher utilization of preventive healthcare services compared to those with limited or no digital access. After adjusting for age, gender, education, and socioeconomic status, digital health access remained a significant predictor of preventive healthcare utilization, with digitally connected participants showing higher odds of undergoing regular health check-ups and disease screening.

Conclusion:
Findings from this study indicate that digital health access inequality constitutes an important epidemiological determinant of preventive healthcare utilization in community settings. Addressing digital disparities through inclusive public health strategies may enhance preventive care uptake and contribute to improved population health outcomes in India.

Keywords

Community, Healthcare, Urban, Semi-Urban, Digital

Corresponding Author

K. Venkata Gopaiah, Associate Professor, A.M. Reddy Memorial College of Pharmacy, India.

Citation

Gopaiah, K. V., Krishna, C. G., Medarametla, R. T. (2026). Digital Health Access Inequality and Its Epidemiological Impact on Preventive Healthcare Utilization: A Community-Based Survey from India. Epidemiol Public Health OA, 1(1), 01-13.