Observational cross-sectional study of the association of poor broadband provision with demographic and health outcomes: the Wolverhampton Digital ENablement (WODEN) programme. Issue 11 (1st November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Philp, Fraser; Faux-Nightingale, Alice; Bateman, James; Clark, Heather; Johnson, Oliver; Klaire, Vijay; Nevill, Alan; Parry, Emma; Warren, Kate; Pandyan, Anand; Singh, Baldev M
• Is Part Of: BMJ open. Volume 12:Issue 11(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-11-01
• Subjects: epidemiology -- COVID-19 -- general medicine (see internal medicine) -- health services administration & management -- health policy -- organisational development; Medicine -- Research -- Periodicals; 610.72
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065709
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2044-6055

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: The association between impaired digital provision, access and health outcomes has not been systematically studied. The Wolverhampton Digital ENablement programme (WODEN) is a multiagency collaborative approach to determine and address digital factors that may impact on health and social care in a single deprived multiethnic health economy. The objective of this study is to determine the association between measurable broadband provision and demographic and health outcomes in a defined population. Design: An observational cross-sectional whole local population-level study with cohorts defined according to broadband provision. Setting/participants: Data for all residents of the City of Wolverhampton, totalling 269 785 residents. Primary outcomes: Poor broadband provision is associated with variation in demographics and with increased comorbidity and urgent care needs. Results: Broadband provision was measured using the Broadband Infrastructure Index (BII) in 158 City localities housing a total of 269 785 residents. Lower broadband provision as determined by BII was associated with younger age (p<0.001), white ethnic status (p<0.001), lesser deprivation as measured by Index of Multiple Deprivation (p<0.001), a higher number of health comorbidities (p<0.001) and more non-elective urgent events over 12 months (p<0.001). Conclusion: Local municipal and health authorities are advised to consider the variations in broadband provision within their locality and determine equal distribution both on a geographical basis but also against demographic, health and social data to determine equitable distribution as a platform for equitable access to digital resources for their residents.