Better Technology Access Reduces Healthcare Gaps for African Americans
University of California, Santa Barbara – August 6, 2025
New research from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) highlights the vital role that improved access to technology can play in reducing healthcare disparities faced by African Americans in the United States. The study, led by researchers Sharon Tettegah and Ebenezer Larnyo from UCSB’s Center for Black Studies Research (CBSR), reveals that increasing access to broadband internet, smartphones, telehealth services, and health-related social media platforms can significantly enhance healthcare equity.
Addressing Longstanding Healthcare Inequities
African Americans have historically faced substantial challenges in accessing quality healthcare, resulting in poorer outcomes compared to their white counterparts. One illustrative case mentioned by Tettegah involves tennis star Venus Williams, who suffered from severe pelvic pain linked to uterine fibroids—a condition that disproportionately affects African American women. Despite repeated visits to doctors, Williams’ symptoms were dismissed as normal menstrual pain until she eventually found a medical team that took her condition seriously.
“This experience sadly reflects a broader systemic issue,” explained Tettegah, who focuses on the intersection of social sciences and STEM. “Many African Americans are dismissed or overlooked in the healthcare system, partly due to systemic racism and longstanding structural barriers.”
Technology as a Bridge to Better Care
The study underscores that technology could serve as a key tool for bridging these gaps. By expanding broadband internet access and smartphone availability, along with promoting culturally tailored digital health solutions, more African Americans can receive timely and appropriate care.
Larnyo, the study’s lead author, emphasized, “Our findings show that when African Americans have better access to technology, they are more likely to use health technology services, which in turn reduces healthcare disparities.”
Socioeconomic Factors and Digital Inequality
The research also reveals how socioeconomic status heavily influences technology access and, consequently, healthcare outcomes. Those with higher incomes tend to have more reliable access to technology and benefit from fewer health disparities.
“Healthcare innovations like telemedicine and wearable devices hold great promise but are often limited to those who can afford them,” Larnyo noted. “Addressing both digital and economic inequalities is therefore essential to achieving health equity.”
Data-Driven Insights
The study analyzed survey data from 815 African Americans, examining their technology access and use of health-related resources. Statistical analysis confirmed strong associations among socioeconomic status, technology availability, use of health technology, and healthcare disparities.
The key findings included:
- Higher socioeconomic status correlates with better technology access.
- Greater technology access leads to increased use of health technology tools.
- Limited technology access is linked to larger healthcare disparities.
These insights demonstrate that tackling structural issues, such as affordability and digital inclusion, is critical.
Recommendations for Action
The researchers stress several practical steps to enhance equity through technology:
- Affordable, reliable broadband internet: Broadband must be accessible to underserved communities.
- Accessible smartphones: Affordable mobile devices are crucial for connecting individuals to digital health services.
- Culturally tailored digital health tools: Telehealth platforms, mental health apps, and social media content should be designed to meet the cultural and specific healthcare needs of African Americans.
Tettegah called for increased awareness and advocacy. “Healthcare providers need to understand and address the unique needs of people of color. We often don’t know what we don’t know. Building narratives around these differences is essential.”
Looking Ahead
This groundbreaking research, published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health, advocates a systemic approach that integrates socioeconomic solutions with digital access enhancements. By bridging the technology gap, healthcare disparities for African Americans can be significantly reduced, paving the way toward a more equitable healthcare system.
Source:
University of California, Santa Barbara
Larnyo, E., et al. (2025). Technology access, use, socioeconomic status, and healthcare disparities among African Americans in the US. Frontiers in Public Health. doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1547189
