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The role of online communities in reducing urban–rural health disparities in China

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  • Xiongfei Cao
  • Dan Wang

Abstract

The explosive growth of social networks has the potential for online health communities to create social value for users. This study integrates online community with urban–rural health inequality in China to empirically explore whether online communities reduce health disparities between urban and rural areas in China. By collecting a unique data set from an online community in China that focuses on one disease, an exponential random graph model was used to empirically analyze the network structures and relationships formed in this community. The results indicate that technology†mediated online health communities can alleviate health disparities in China by exchanging information and improving the health capabilities of rural residents. We discuss the implications and guidelines for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiongfei Cao & Dan Wang, 2018. "The role of online communities in reducing urban–rural health disparities in China," Journal of the Association for Information Science & Technology, Association for Information Science & Technology, vol. 69(7), pages 890-899, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jinfst:v:69:y:2018:i:7:p:890-899
    DOI: 10.1002/asi.24013
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    Cited by:

    1. Liu, Jianwei & Zhang, Xiaofei & Meng, Fanbo & Lai, Kee-hung, 2020. "Deploying gamification to engage physicians in an online health community: An operational paradox," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 228(C).
    2. Zhang, Tingting & Yan, Xiangbin & Wang, William Yu Chung & Chen, Qin, 2021. "Unveiling physicians’ personal branding strategies in online healthcare service platforms," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 171(C).
    3. Tingting Zhang & Qin Chen & William Yu Chung Wang & Yuhan Wei, 2022. "Understanding Physicians’ Motivation to Provide Healthcare Service Online in the Digital Age," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-11, November.
    4. Junjie Zhou & Tingting Fan, 2019. "Understanding the Factors Influencing Patient E-Health Literacy in Online Health Communities (OHCs): A Social Cognitive Theory Perspective," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-12, July.

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