Health Locus of Control, Acculturation, and Health-Related Internet Use Among Latinas

Abstract

Among individuals residing in the United States, the Internet is the third most used source for obtaining health information. Little is known, however, about its use by Latinas. To understand health-related Internet use among Latinas, the authors examined it within the theoretical frameworks of health locus of control and acculturation. The authors predicted that acculturation would serve as a mediator between health locus of control and health-related Internet use, age and health-related Internet use, income and health-related Internet use, and education and health-related Internet use. Data were collected via a 25-minute self-report questionnaire. The sample consisted of 932 young (M age = 21.27 years), low-income Latinas. Using structural equation modeling, the authors observed that acculturation partially mediated the relation between health locus of control and health-related Internet use and fully mediated the relations among age, income, and Internet use. An internal health locus of control (p < .001), younger age (p < .001), and higher income (p < .001) were associated with higher levels of acculturation. Higher levels of acculturation (p < .001) and an internal health locus of control (p < .004) predicted health-related Internet use. The Internet is a powerful tool that can be used to effectively disseminate information to Latinas with limited access to health care professionals. These findings can inform the design of Internet-based health information dissemination studies targeting Latinas.

Eliminating disparities among Latinos with type 2 diabetes: Effective eHealth strategies

“…For instance, foreign born, low income, and Spanish-language dominant Latinos are more likely to rely on television, family, and friends for health information rather than medical providers. 58, 59 Thus, interventions need to be tailored to address language and literacy levels, unique illness beliefs and attitudes (Table 2), as well as educational and shared decision making models that incorporate family members and friends. For example, a qualitative study of Latinos with diabetes and their family members in Chicago found that participants were most interested in peer-based diabetes self-management interventions in a group setting rather than a telephone-based one-to-one peer program.…”

An Exploration of How Mexican American WIC Mothers Obtain Information About Behaviors Associated With Childhood Obesity Risk

“…Information seeking may further vary across specific obesity-related behaviors. Most extant studies of information seeking among Latinos have utilized survey data to quantitatively examine information-seeking behaviors 18–21, 23–26 but have not included qualitative data to explore more nuanced aspects of information seeking. For example, there is little information about whether Latino parents actively seek or are passively exposed to different types of health information and how these 2 types of exposures affect interest or trust in information obtained.…”

Segmentation of Mexican-Heritage Immigrants: Acculturation Typology and Language Preference in Health Information Seeking

“…Immigrant health research has investigated a wide range of topics from youth substance use [42, 43], prescription drug information [44] to cancer information seeking behaviors [45, 46]. To solve various health concerns of the under-represented population, one must acknowledge that acculturation plays a critical role in immigrants’ health status as well as their communication and comprehension of health information [47].…”

“…Recent studies note that language preference in interpersonal communication predicted the intention to use the Internet [45] and the actual use of the Internet among Latino immigrants when seeking health information [45]. …”