Disparities and Determinants of Online Medical Record Access among Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Access to online medical records (OMRs) can help enhance cancer patient engagement and improve their health outcomes. This study investigates disparities in OMR access among cancer survivors and examines the association between OMR access and health perceptions. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the National Cancer Institute’s Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) from 2017 to 2022. The sample included 4713 cancer survivors. We employed regression analysis to assess the associations between the different factors. Overall, 18.78% of participants accessed their OMRs once or twice, while 36.69% accessed them three times or more. Gender minority groups (β = −0.0038, p = 0.01), older adults (β = −0.1126, p < 0.001), and racial minority groups (β = −0.059, p < 0.001) were less likely to access their OMRs. Additionally, higher education levels (β = 0.274, p < 0.001), insurance coverage (β = 0.365, p < 0.001), and higher incomes (β = 0.115, p < 0.001) were associated with increased OMR access. Positive health perceptions were significantly associated with OMR usage, including perceived good health (β = 0.148, p < 0.001), quality of care (β = 0.15, p = 0.026), and self-efficacy (β = 0.178, p = 0.002). Disparities in OMR access among cancer survivors are influenced by socio-economic factors and health perceptions. Interventions targeting vulnerable groups, enhancing digital health literacy, and improving health perceptions could promote equitable OMR usage.