Information awareness, access and socioeconomic deprivation: a cross-jurisdictional study of local health information

Purpose: This study investigated the relationship among information awareness, access and socioeconomic deprivation in the context of local health information. Drawing on theories of information poverty and the digital divide, this study examined how socioeconomic deprivation influences individuals’ ability to become aware of and access local health information. Design/methodology/approach: Using survey data from three jurisdictions in South Korea’s Seoul Metropolitan Area, this study examined how socioeconomic factors influence information awareness and access at both the macro level (jurisdiction) and the micro level (individual). Findings: The findings revealed significant differences in information awareness and access across jurisdictions with varying levels of socioeconomic deprivation. Participants from areas with lower socioeconomic deprivation reported greater confidence in their ability to access and evaluate health information. At an individual level, socioeconomic deprivation negatively affected information awareness and access. Information awareness was shown to mediate the effects of socioeconomic deprivation on information access, although the degree of mediation varied across different dimensions of information access, such as physical, intellectual and social access. Originality/value: The study contributes to the literature focused on the digital divide, information poverty and local information landscapes by studying information awareness as a mediator in shaping information access. The findings of this study can guide health information service providers and system designers in developing customized strategies that cater to the unique needs of various communities and socioeconomic groups.