Digital disparities: The persistent digital divide as related to health information access on the internet

There is a vast amount of health information on the Internet, although certain underserved U.S. populations still lack equal access to this information. This digital divide pertains not only to computer and Internet access, but also to issues related to appropriate content. Some view the Internet as one solution to eliminating health disparities, although barriers such as education, income and cost, age, location, literacy, and content contribute to a persistent digital divide. Many solutions to this problem have been proposed, but the situation still warrants further study before eHealth strategies and interventions can be effectively implemented to a wider community.