Affiliations: [a] University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing, Scottsbluff, NE, USA | [b] University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health, Omaha, NE, USA
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Dr. Trina Aguirre, PhD, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing, 4502 Ave I, Scottsbluff, NE 69361, USA. Tel.: +1 308 632 0429; Fax: +1 308 632 0415; E-mail: taguirre@unmc.edu.
Abstract: In the United States, Hispanic populations tend to have higher incidences of chronic disease such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, obesity and hyperlipidemias [1]. They are also more likely to be underinsured or uninsured than other populations [2]. The purpose of this descriptive technology assessment survey study was to determine computer and internet access, skill level and health education information preferences of a rural Hispanic (primarily Mexican-American) population in the United States. Among the sample, 81% of individuals who answered the survey had a computer and internet access in their home. Nineteen percent did not have computers or internet access in their homes. Compared to the average 54% home internet access found by the Pew Hispanic Research Center the rural convenience sample in this study had a high percentage of technology access. Recommendations include using multimedia to improve the health information accessability among Hispanic persons.
Keywords: Hispanic, technology, health information
