Characteristics predisposing to the utilization of Internet websites offering e-prescriptions

Abstract Background The introduction of e-prescriptions in the Polish healthcare system was accompanied by the emergence of websites offering easy access to medication without adequate medical assessment. This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of Polish users of such services. Methods The analysis presented here is based on the online survey conducted in June 2023 among 1661 adult Internet users. The multivariable logistic regression model (MLRM) was developed for the variable reflecting the use of e-prescribing web services (EPWS). Sociodemographic variables, self-assessed health status, the presence of chronic disease (CHR) and disabilities (DIS), the frequency of Internet (IU) and social media use (SMU), and finally, digital health literacy (DHL) were included in MLRM as independent variables. Results The percentage of respondents who used EPWS was equal to 18.2% (n = 303). MLRM revealed that age, vocational and income status, CHR, SMU, and DHL were significant predictors of EPWS use. Older respondents were less likely than younger ones to use EPWS (odds ratio (OR), 95% confidentiality interval (95%CI): 0.97, 0.97-0.99. Persons suffering from the chronic disease, when compared to those without such disease, used EPWS less frequently (OR, 95CI: 0.59, 0.43-0.80) and unemployed when compared to employees (OR, 95%CI: 0.53, 0.32-0.88). A higher likelihood of using EPWS was observed among respondents with the highest income in comparison to those from the group with the lowest income (OR, 95%CI: 1.52, 1.02-2.52) and among more frequent social media users (OR, 95%CI: 3.88, 1.90-7.93). Finally, the increase of DHL score by 1 unit was associated with the increase of the likelihood of EPWS use by 9% (OR, 95%CI: 1.09, 1.05-1.12). Conclusions A significant number of adult Internet users utilize EPWS in Poland. Lower age, unemployment, and chronic diseases are negative predictors of EPWS use. More intense SMU and unexpectedly higher DHL predispose to the use of such services. Key messages • Even persons with high e health literacy are inclined to use web portals offering e-prescriptions. • The high prevalence of the utilization of e-prescribing websites requires awareness campaigns warning about related potential risks.