Summary

In the digital age, a growing literature suggests that broadband coverage and high-speed internet access are social determinants of health. However, there is little research on regional broadband connectivity and its relationship to the prevalence of common health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and obesity/overweight. Using the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) and US Census data, we aimed to assess if local broadband connectivity at the census tract level was related to prevalence of cardiometabolic dysfunction (diabetes, hypertension, and obesity/overweight) in these census tracts.
In California, the prevalence of cardiometabolic conditions, particularly type 2 diabetes, is highest in areas with lowest broadband connectivity. More research is needed to better understand the direct relationship between broadband connectivity, the usage of online health resources and the management or prevention of cardiometabolic dysfunction.