Protocol - Internet Access
Description
This protocol includes four self- administered questions from the HINTS 5, Cycle 4 – Section B: Using the Internet to Find Information. This section focuses on how an individual accesses the internet, quality of their internet access, and how they use their internet access to interface with health care.
Specific Instructions
None
Protocol
1. Do you ever go on-line to access the Internet or World Wide Web, or to send and receive e-mail?
- [ ] Yes → GO TO 2
- [ ] No → END HERE
2. When you use the Internet, do you access it through…
| Yes | No | ||
| a. | A regular dial-up telephone line……………………. | [ ] | [ ] |
| b. | Broadband such as DSL, cable, or FiOS…………. | [ ] | [ ] |
| c. | A cellular network (i.e., phone, 3G/4G)……………. | [ ] | [ ] |
| d. | A wireless network (Wi-Fi)………………………….. | [ ] | [ ] |
3. How often do you access the Internet through each of the following?
| Daily | Sometimes | Never | Not Applicable | ||
| a. | Computer at home...…..……………………. | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] |
| b. | Computer at work…...…………...…………. | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] |
| c. | Computer in a public place (library, community center, other)………. | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] |
| d. | On a mobile device (cell phone/smart phone/tablet)….…………….. | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] |
4. To what extent are you satisfied with your internet speed?
- [ ] Not at all satisfied
- [ ] Not very satisfied
- [ ] Somewhat satisfied
- [ ] Very satisfied
- [ ] Extremely satisfied
Scoring and Interpretation
Refer to the “HINTS 5, Cycle 4 (2020) Methodology Report” for details on methodology, sampling, and procedures for Cycle 4, sections 4 and 5: https://hints.cancer.gov/data/methodology-reports.aspx
Availability
Personnel and Training Required
None
Equipment Needs
None
Requirements
| Requirement Category | Required |
|---|---|
| Major equipment | No |
| Specialized training | No |
| Specialized requirements for biospecimen collection | No |
| Average time of greater than 15 minutes in an unaffected individual | No |
Mode of Administration
Self-administered questionnaire
Lifestage
Adult
Participants
Adult
Selection Rationale
HINTS is a nationally representative survey that has been administered by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 2003. It is administered via single-mode mail survey and is comprehensive in its coverage of topics regarding knowledge of, attitudes toward, and use of cancer- and health-related information by the American public. The data are publicly available.
Language
English, Spanish
Standards
| Standard | Name | ID | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| caDSR Common Data Elements (CDE) | Internet Access | 12114272 | CDE Browser |
Derived Variables
None
Process and Review
Not Applicable
Protocol Name from Source
Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS)
Source
National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2020). Health Information National Trends Survey 5, Cycle 4, Annotated Form, Full-content, English version. Section B: Using the Internet to Find Information, Items B1-B4.
General References
Greenberg-Worisek, A. J., Kurani, S., Finney Rutten, L. J., Blake, K. D., Moser, R. P., & Hesse, B. W. (2019). Tracking healthy people 2020 internet, broadband, and mobile device access goals: an update using data from the Health Information National Trends Survey. Journal of medical Internet research, 21(6), e13300. https://doi.org/10.2196/13300
Kim, H., Mahmood, A., Goldsmith, J. V., Chang, H., Kedia, S., & Chang, C. F. (2021). Access to broadband internet and its utilization for health information seeking and health communication among informal caregivers in the United States. Journal of Medical Systems, 45(2), 24. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10916-021-01708-9
Nelson, D. E., Kreps, G. L., Hesse, B. W., Croyle, R. T., Willis, G., Arora, N. K., Rimer, B. K., Viswanath, K. V., Weinstein, N., & Alden, S. (2004). The Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS): development, design, and dissemination. Journal of Health Communication, 9(5), 443–460. https://doi.org/10.1080/10810730490504233
Rains, S. A. (2008). Health at high speed: Broadband Internet access, health communication, and the digital divide. Communication Research, 35(3), 283-297. https://doi.org/10.1177/0093650208315958
Protocol ID
281301
Variables
Export Variables| Variable Name | Variable ID | Variable Description | dbGaP Mapping |
|---|
Measure Name
Internet Access
Release Date
December 14, 2022
Definition
This is a measure of internet use, quality, and overall broadband access at an individual level. This measure captures how and where an individual uses their internet access to find information, often in a health care context.
Purpose
Internet access is a social determinant of health, as it enables individuals to access information and connect to others. It is essential to accessing health care systems, health care information, education, food requisition, and being part of a community.
Keywords
internet access, Internet, Broadband, Access, Health Information National Trends Survey, HINTS, smartphone, tablet, technology, iPhone, android, telephone, cellular, wireless, network, computer, social, National Institutes of Health, NIH, National Cancer Institute, NCI, Access to Health Care, neighborhood built environment
Measure Protocols
| Protocol ID | Protocol Name |
|---|---|
| 281301 | Internet Access |
Publications
There are no publications listed for this protocol.