Access and inclusivity in health. The role of digitalization

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of digitalization on health, particularly on reducing the existing gaps in accessing healthcare services. Focusing on the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, health targets are brought to the attention with a special view to divides among world regions. The impact of health barriers is clearly reflected in the gaps between rural and urban, young and elderly, as well as between high and low income populations. The value added of this paper consists in the employment of three regression models, integrating indicators related to digital skills with indicators referring to maternal mortality, sanitation access and life expectancy including data for the European Union member states for the most recent year. The results of the performed analysis confirm the validity of the two out of three regression models, indicating that digital skills of population have influence on life expectancy and use of sanitation, at the EU level. Therefore, the paper explores the relation between digital skills and public health outcomes, focusing on access to sanitation, maternal mortality, and life expectancy. The analysis reveals a statistically significant positive correlation between digital skills and access to sanitation, with basic or above basic digital skills improving access by 15.3%. The study identifies a significant association between digital skills and increased life expectancy, accounting for 30.4% of the variability. Despite this, factors such as infrastructure, affordability, and government policies remain crucial.

Keywords: digital divide, health literacy, gaps, digitalization, inequalities, sustainable development goals