Study Finds White Veterans as High Users of Secure Messaging in Veteran Health System

Recent research highlights that White veterans are significantly more active in using online secure messaging portals within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). These veterans tend to generate and exchange a higher volume of messages with their primary care teams compared to certain minority groups. The study, published in The Annals of Family Medicine, analyzed data from over 1.5 million veterans between October 2022 and September 2023, focusing on their interaction patterns with the secure messaging system.

Findings show that the top 5% of high message users accounted for nearly a third (30.5%) of all secure messages exchanged. Older veterans, especially those aged 75 and above, with greater health frailty, complex medical conditions, or mental health issues, were more likely to be high messaging users—and they were predominantly White and from higher socio-economic neighborhoods. Conversely, Black, Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian veterans, as well as male veterans, were less likely to be among high messaging users.

Interestingly, most high messaging veterans did not frequently use other healthcare services such as in-person visits, telephone, or emergency care, indicating that secure messaging serves as a primary communication method for these individuals. These insights help healthcare providers and policymakers tailor outreach efforts, ensuring equitable access and support for diverse veteran populations.

The study underscores the importance of understanding demographic factors influencing digital health engagement and can guide resource allocation to optimize veteran care through secure messaging platforms.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-white-veteran-high-users-online.html