Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
This study aimed to characterize patterns of digital health technology (DHT) use and examine the relationships between multimorbidity, DHT adoption, and user-reported frustration, with a focus on identifying socioeconomic and phenotypic determinants of digital health burden.
Materials and Methods
A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using nationally representative public data from Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 7. Adults with at least one chronic condition were included (N = 3753). The outcomes were the number of DHTs used and frustration with digital tools. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed, adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical variables. Phenotypic subgroup analyses were conducted based on multimorbidity, DHT use, and frustration patterns.
Results
Among 3753 participants, 46.9% had multimorbidity. Participants with multimorbidity reported using a greater number of DHTs on average (mean = 3.9 vs 3.6, P
Conclusion
While individuals with multimorbidity use more DHTs, they experience greater frustration, particularly those with lower socioeconomic status. However, higher engagement with DHTs (as measured by number of technology types adopted) is associated with lower frustration, suggesting that technology proficiency may mitigate burden. Targeted, equity-conscious interventions, including competency-based digital literacy programs, simplified user-centered design, and structural supports addressing device access and connectivity, are needed to reduce digital health burden and improve outcomes for patients living with multiple chronic conditions.