Digital Health Technology Burden and Frustration Among Patients with Multimorbidity
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Objective
This study aimed to characterize patterns of digital health technology (DHT) use and examine the relationships between multimorbidity, DHT adoption, and user-reported frustration, with a focus on identifying socioeconomic and phenotypic determinants of digital health burden.
Methods
A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using nationally representative public data from HINTS 7 (2024). Adults with at least one chronic condition were included (N=3,753). The outcomes were the number of DHTs used and frustration with digital tools. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed, adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical variables. Phenotypic subgroup analyses were conducted based on multimorbidity, DHT use, and frustration patterns.
Result
Among 3,753 participants, 46.9% had multimorbidity. Participants with multimorbidity reported using a greater number of DHTs on average (mean = 3.9 vs. 3.6, p < 0.001) compared to those with a single condition, yet exhibited significantly higher rates of frustration with digital tasks (61.2% vs. 54.1%, p < 0.001). Both higher income and educational groups were associated with lower odds of frustration. Greater DHT use was also independently associated with reduced frustration (OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.71-0.87, p < 0.01). Phenotypic subgroup analysis further identified individuals with multimorbidity and low DHT use as the most vulnerable profile, characterized by older age, lower socioeconomic status, and the highest frustration prevalence (60.3%).
Conclusion
While individuals with multimorbidity use more DHTs, they experience greater frustration, particularly those with lower socioeconomic status. However, higher engagement with DHTs is associated with lower frustration, suggesting that technology proficiency may mitigate burden. Targeted interventions addressing digital literacy and user-centered design are needed to experience among patients with complex chronic conditions.
