Online Health Information-Seeking Behavior and Confidence in Filling Out Online Forms Among Latinos: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the California Health Interview Survey, 2011-2012

Abstract

BackgroundHealth information is increasingly being disseminated online, but there is a knowledge gap between Latinos and non-Hispanic whites, particularly those whose English language proficiency is poor, in terms both of online health information-seeking behavior and computer literacy skills. This knowledge gap may also exist between US- and foreign-born Latinos.ObjectiveThe specific aim of this study was to examine Internet use, online health information-seeking behavior, and confidence in filling out online forms among Latinos, particularly as it relates to health-risk behaviors. We then stratified our sample by nativity.MethodsWe used the adult population file of the 2011-2012 California Health Interview Survey, analyzing Internet use, online health information-seeking behavior, and confidence in filling out online forms using binary logistic regression among Latinos and whites (N=27,289), Latinos (n=9506), and Latinos who use the Internet (n=6037).ResultsForeign-born Latinos (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.58-0.88, P=.002) have lower odds of engaging in online health information-seeking behavior, and higher odds (OR 2.90, 95% CI 2.07-4.06, P<.001) of reporting a lack of confidence in filling out online forms compared to US-born Latinos. Correlates of online health information-seeking behavior and form confidence varied by nativity.ConclusionsLatinos, particularly foreign-born individuals, are at an increased risk of being left behind as the move to increase online content delivery and care expands. As online health information dissemination and online health portals become more popular, the impact of these sites on Latino gaps in coverage and care should be considered.

Web-Based Health Information Technology: Access Among Latinos Varies by Subgroup Affiliation (Preprint)

“…[26] Our post-hoc analysis of the Mexican-identified subpopulation shows that nativity also matters within Latinos groups, which is in line with other studies that use Spanish as a measures of acculturation, [3,26] and with previous state-level studies showing differences between US and foreign-born Latinos. [7] Additionally, the fact that age did not significantly affect all channels of online HISB and HIT within Mexican-identified populations bolsters previous findings where age was not related to online HISB. [15] Future research should examine which online applications, programs and services are being used, especially by foreign-born Latinos and the Mexican-identified population.…”

“…Latino Subgroup Affiliation by Nativity There are differences between US and foreign-born Hispanics with regards to the age structure and language use within the population. [7,23,24] Additionally, studies have shown significant behavioral and health differences between various Hispanic ethnic groups.…”

“…[2] However, previous research has suggested disparities in Internet access, online health information seeking behavior (HISB) between non-Hispanic (NH) Whites and Latinos, and between US and foreign-born Latinos. [3][4][5][6][7][8][9] With the increasing reliance on online health information technology (HIT), this gap is widening, and it is important to understand where disparities in online HIT use occur for Latinos at the national level.…”

“…[10][11][12] Latinos are less likely to have high computer use efficacy, have a lower online health system activation rate, and have less success in activating eHealth portals than NH Whites. [13] While some state and local level examinations of online HISB and the use of HIT exist, [7,[14][15][16][17] and several national level studies, [1,9] these studies do not control for other factors such as Latino sub-ethnicity or nativity that might be important cultural variables that could contribute to or mitigate disparities.…”

“…[6] US-born Latinos engage in more online HISB, and have higher online form confidence than foreign-born Latinos. [7] While researchers commonly lump Latino sub-ethnicities together, there are significant health and behavioral differences within and between the various sub-ethnicities. [19][20][21] For example, research suggests that Puerto Ricans are more likely to be current smokers and to have ever smoked, compared to Dominicans, Colombians and Ecuadorian individuals.…”