Broadband access is a critical component of digital inclusion as digital inclusi

Broadband access is a critical component of digital inclusion as digital inclusion can be said to be equitable access to the use of digital technologies. This includes the use of internet access and other digital tools. Broadband access enables faster and more reliable internet connections, which is important for accessing various online services, including healthcare resources. Broadband access must be recognized as a social determinant of health and disparities in access should be treated as a public health issue because of the way it affects the community (Benda et.al, 2020).
Adding digital inclusion and broadband access as key areas to the social determinant of health can have a significant positive impact on public health outcomes in the following ways.
Easy access to health information: digital including ensures that individuals have access to reliable health information online. This access can empower people to make informed decisions about their health. For example, people with the internet can easily search health-related information on preventive measures, and treatment options available to them, hence leading to better health literacy.
Telemedicine and remote healthcare: the act of providing medical services remotely through digital technology relies heavily on broadband access. With improved access, people in remote and underserved areas can easily connect with healthcare professionals, receive consultations, and access medical devices, thereby enhancing healthcare access and reducing health disparity.
Electronic health records: digital inclusion facilitates the adoption and use of electronic health records and patient portals. Patients with online access to their records can track their medical history, test results, and treatment plans, leading to increased patient engagement and better self-management of chronic conditions. This can positively impact health outcomes because of accessibility, information organization, and decision support (Walden, 2018).
Social determinants of health can be addressed by digital inclusion and broadband access. Some social determinants of health such as education and income disparities. Access to online education resources can empower individuals with health-related knowledge, while broadband access can provide opportunities for remote work and economic growth, thus improving overall health outcomes. There should be equitable consideration in addressing the disparities in social determinants of health for effective engagement and inclusion of the underserved (Iott et. al, 2022).