Internet access is a necessity: a latent class analysis of COVID-19 related challenges and the role of technology use among rural community residents.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Rural and remote communities faced unique access challenges to essential services such as healthcare and highspeed infrastructure pre-COVID, which have been amplified by the pandemic. This study examined patterns of COVID-related challenges and the use of technology among rural-living individuals during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A sample of 279 rural residents completed an online survey about the impact of COVID-related challenges and the role of technology use. Latent class analysis was used to generate subgroups reflecting the patterns of COVID-related challenges. Differences in group membership were examined based on age, gender, education, race/ethnicity, and living situation. Finally, thematic analysis of open-ended qualitative response

SUBMITTER: Dow-Fleisner SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9045795 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature