Evaluating psychometric determinants of willingness to adopt sexual health patient portal services among black college students: A mixed-methods approach

J Am Coll Health. 2021 Feb-Mar;69(2):190-197. doi: 10.1080/07448481.2019.1660352. Epub 2019 Nov 11.

Abstract

Objectives: To describe, using mixed-methods, perceptions of access to sexually transmitted infection test results via electronic personal health record (PHR) and correlates of willingness to adopt its use. Participants: Students at a mid-Atlantic historically black college. Methods: Focus-groups and interviews were conducted to explore themes on sexual health-related PHR-use (N = 35). Codes were operationalized into survey measures assessing beliefs in a cross-sectional sample (N = 354). Exploratory factor analysis identified latent factors among survey items. Multiple logistic regression models measured correlates of adoption willingness. Results: Three qualitative themes emerged on relative advantages, barriers, and functionality of PHRs. 57.6% of survey participants were willing to use PHRs for sexual health services. Reliable latent factors, centering on PHR convenience and functionality, were positively associated with adoption willingness. Conclusions: Data highlights interest among black college-age youth in adopting PHRs for comprehensive sexual health-related services. Adoption may be boosted with tailored designs responsive to expressed service needs.

Keywords: HIV/STIs; Health IT; Health disparities; minority youth; patient portal adoption.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Health Records, Personal*
  • Humans
  • Patient Portals*
  • Psychometrics
  • Sexual Health*
  • Students
  • Universities