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. 2004 Oct;1(4):A15.
Epub 2004 Sep 15.

What do we mean by Internet access? A framework for health researchers

Nigel E Bush  1 , Deborah J Bowen, Jean Wooldridge, Abi Ludwig, Hendrika Meischke, Robert Robbins
Affiliations

What do we mean by Internet access? A framework for health researchers

Nigel E Bush et al. Prev Chronic Dis. 2004 Oct.

Abstract

Much is written about Internet access, Web access, Web site accessibility, and access to online health information. The term access has, however, a variety of meanings to authors in different contexts when applied to the Internet, the Web, and interactive health communication. We have summarized those varied uses and definitions and consolidated them into a framework that defines Internet and Web access issues for health researchers. We group issues into two categories: connectivity and human interface. Our focus is to conceptualize access as a multicomponent issue that can either reduce or enhance the public health utility of electronic communications.

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Figures

Examples of elements of connectivity
Figure 1
Examples of elements of connectivity, which is defined as “connecting or being connected to the Internet, the Web, a Web site, Web page, or Web subcomponent; having the functionality and content of the Internet and/or Web physically available.” The categories above provide noninclusive lists of examples.
Examples of elements of connectivity
Figure 1
Examples of elements of connectivity, which is defined as “connecting or being connected to the Internet, the Web, a Web site, Web page, or Web subcomponent; having the functionality and content of the Internet and/or Web physically available.” The categories above provide noninclusive lists of examples.
Examples of elements of human interface
Figure 2
Examples of elements of human interface, which is defined as “those factors relating to user demographics and characteristics, such as literacy, language, education, race, ethnicity and culture, income, disability and age, experience and familiarity, and skill and training, which determine or restrict level of access to Internet/Web and content.” The categories above provide noninclusive lists of examples.
Examples of elements of human interface
Figure 2
Examples of elements of human interface, which is defined as “those factors relating to user demographics and characteristics, such as literacy, language, education, race, ethnicity and culture, income, disability and age, experience and familiarity, and skill and training, which determine or restrict level of access to Internet/Web and content.” The categories above provide noninclusive lists of examples.
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References

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