Concerns over parental access to online health portals are causing many young adults to withhold sensitive medical information from their doctors, potentially jeopardizing their health, according to a new study by Weill Cornell Medicine researchers.
The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics on October 7, surveyed 18- to 26-year-olds who are eligible to remain on their parents’ insurance plans. Of the 349 participants, nearly half were still covered by their parents’ insurance. Researchers found that fear of parental disclosure through these portals led to hesitation in sharing complete health details, especially among females and members of sexual and gender minority groups.
Dr. Marianne Sharko, the study’s lead author and assistant professor of clinical pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medicine, explained the risks. “If patients withhold information due to concerns about privacy, they may miss out on necessary diagnoses and treatments,” Sharko said.
The survey revealed that 50% of respondents would hesitate to use an online health portal if they believed their parents could access their information. Additionally, 55% said they would change or limit the health information they share with their doctors for fear of parental oversight.
One participant highlighted these concerns, saying, “I don’t want my parents to know I’m a trans person because that would put me in danger. I should be able to receive care without being afraid.” Another commented, “I’m in treatment for PTSD from abuse in childhood. My mother would be livid if she found out things I’ve told my therapist.”
The fear of disclosing sensitive information through online health records, which are increasingly accessible under the 21st Century Cures Act, can lead to serious health consequences, researchers warned. Undiagnosed sexually transmitted infections and untreated mental health issues were among the risks identified.
While confidentiality policies exist for patient portals, the study’s authors noted that they vary between institutions and are often created without input from groups with heightened privacy concerns. The study’s senior author, Dr. Erika Abramson, professor of pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medicine, called for greater attention to protecting patient confidentiality. “To provide equitable care, health systems must prioritize the safety and privacy of all patients, especially those with heightened concerns about disclosure,” she said.
The study urges healthcare institutions to reassess their patient portal policies to ensure that confidentiality is maintained, allowing young adults to share essential health information without fear of parental involvement.
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