The Role of Digital Health Literacy and Socioeconomic Factors in Colorectal Cancer Screening: Machine Learning Analysis of HINTS Data

Sujin Kim, Madhav Dahal, Avinash Bhakta, Jihye Bae

2025

Abstract

While colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates are on the rise, significant disparities persist, particularly among underserved populations, highlighting ongoing challenges in achieving equitable access to preventive care. This study utilizes machine learning models to analyze multi-year data from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS), identifying critical factors influencing CRC screening adherence across three distinct time periods (2003–2008, 2011–2013, 2018–2020). Using Random Forest and Logistic Regression models, interpreted through Shapley Additive exPlanations values, we examine the impact of sociodemographic characteristics, digital health engagement, and digital literacy on CRC screening behaviors. Findings reveal that age, prior screening behavior, and digital literacy are key predictors; individuals with higher digital literacy, for example, exhibited a 22% higher likelihood of adhering to CRC screening guidelines. Age emerged as a dominant factor, with screening rates peaking at 43% in the 50–64 age group. These results suggest that interventions targeting digital health literacy and enhancing provider communication may effectively improve CRC screening rates among underserved populations. This study underscores the value of data-driven approaches in informing public health strategies to increase CRC screening adherence and reduce health disparities.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Kim S., Dahal M., Bhakta A. and Bae J. (2025). The Role of Digital Health Literacy and Socioeconomic Factors in Colorectal Cancer Screening: Machine Learning Analysis of HINTS Data. In Proceedings of the 18th International Joint Conference on Biomedical Engineering Systems and Technologies - Volume 2: HEALTHINF; ISBN 978-989-758-731-3, SciTePress, pages 228-239. DOI: 10.5220/0013310700003911

in Bibtex Style

@conference{healthinf25,
author={Sujin Kim and Madhav Dahal and Avinash Bhakta and Jihye Bae},
title={The Role of Digital Health Literacy and Socioeconomic Factors in Colorectal Cancer Screening: Machine Learning Analysis of HINTS Data},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 18th International Joint Conference on Biomedical Engineering Systems and Technologies - Volume 2: HEALTHINF},
year={2025},
pages={228-239},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0013310700003911},
isbn={978-989-758-731-3},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 18th International Joint Conference on Biomedical Engineering Systems and Technologies - Volume 2: HEALTHINF
TI - The Role of Digital Health Literacy and Socioeconomic Factors in Colorectal Cancer Screening: Machine Learning Analysis of HINTS Data
SN - 978-989-758-731-3
AU - Kim S.
AU - Dahal M.
AU - Bhakta A.
AU - Bae J.
PY - 2025
SP - 228
EP - 239
DO - 10.5220/0013310700003911
PB - SciTePress