Patterns of Communication Technology Utilization for Health Information Among Hispanics in South Carolina: Implications for Health Equity

Abstract

Background: Language, culture, geographic, social, and economic factors are associated with health disparities. Among more recent Hispanic immigrants, limited English proficiency and immigration status are barriers to health information and healthcare access. Improved access to culturally and linguistically tailored health information through technology could potentially enhance healthcare access and health outcomes. However, little is known about health information-seeking through technology among Hispanics in recent settlement areas. Purpose: The aim of this exploratory study was to describe patterns of self-reported utilization of technology for health information-seeking among the growing Hispanic population in South Carolina (SC) over a period of 5 years. Methods: Descriptive, community-based, cross-sectional survey of 361 Hispanic adults residing in SC, conducted in 2011 and 2015/2016. Results: Reflective of reported national trends, self-reported accessibility and utilization of cellphones increased (89-96.6%) among this sample. Although computer ownership decreased (58-53.9%), internet utilization for health information-seeking increased (45-57.8%); more than 80% of participants indicated that they considered the internet a "good source of health information." The majority of participants in both time periods conducted health information searches in Spanish, although the reported access to English-language information increased over time. Conclusions: These findings illustrate the increasing access and utilization of technology for health information among Hispanics in SC, underscoring the need for broader dissemination of culturally and linguistically appropriate health information through accessible technology, including Spanish language websites. Recommendations for future research include examining relationships between technology access, health service access and utilization, and health behaviors among Hispanics in diverse geographic and social contexts.

Keywords: Hispanic health; information-seeking; technology.

FIG. 1.

Self-reported healthcare services access barriers: 2011 (blue) and 2015/2016 (red).

FIG. 2.

Most commonly reported topics of health information-seeking on the internet: 2011 (blue) and 2015/2016 (red).