Disparities in Technology and Broadband Internet Access Across Rurality: Implications for Health and Education.

ABSTRACT: Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, interest in using telehealth to increase access to health and mental health care has grown, and school transitions to remote learning have heightened awareness of broadband inequities. The purpose of this study was to examine access and barriers to technology and broadband Internet service ("broadband") among rural and urban youth. Washington State public school districts were surveyed about youth's access to technology (ie, a device adequate for online learning) and broadband availability in spring 2020. Availability of and barriers to broadband (ie, geography, affordability, and smartphone-only connectivity) were assessed across rurality. Among responding districts, 64.2% (n = 172) were rural and 35.8% (n = 96) were urban. Rural districts reported significan

SUBMITTER: Graves JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8373718 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct-Dec 01

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature