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E-lifestyles and their impact on medical teleconsultation

Author

Listed:
  • Arenas Gaitán, Jorge

  • Ramírez Correa, Patricio E.

  • Ledesma Chaves, P.

  • Callarisa Fiol, Luis J.

Abstract

The integration of digital services is increasingly relevant for healthcare sustainability, although user acceptance remains uneven. This study examines the influence of internet related lifestyles on the use of medical teleconsultation. Based on a survey of 1,412 Spanish teleconsultation users, an exploratory factor analysis identified multiple dimensions of e lifestyles, including interests, social use, perceived importance, barriers, novelty, and different types of needs. Subsequently, a latent class analysis revealed eight distinct user profiles, considering socio demographic characteristics and available resources. The findings indicate that users can be grouped into pro Internet, neutral and anti Internet profiles, each displaying different behavioural patterns in teleconsultation adoption and use. These results highlight that, in contexts with high internet penetration, teleconsultation usage is closely associated with users’ digital lifestyles rather than solely with socio demographic factors. Overall, the study provides a more nuanced understanding of behavioural heterogeneity in digital health adoption.

Suggested Citation

  • Arenas Gaitán, Jorge & Ramírez Correa, Patricio E. & Ledesma Chaves, P. & Callarisa Fiol, Luis J., 2026. "E-lifestyles and their impact on medical teleconsultation," Revista Galega de Economía, University of Santiago de Compostela. Faculty of Economics and Business., vol. 35(2), pages 1-31.
    • Handle: RePEc:sdo:regaec:v:35:y:2026:i:2_2
    DOI: 10.15304/rge.35.2.10948
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    JEL classification:

    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • M31 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Marketing and Advertising - - - Marketing

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