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The Internet is an everyday part of millions of people’s lives. The Internet connects people all over the globe to unlimited amounts of resources and information. However, for many people, access and usability still remain obstacles. Health communicators in particular have struggled with overcoming what is known as “the digital divide,” which is a huge disparity among the Latino community.
As more and more of the “analog” world moves online (everything from paying bills to buying groceries to signing up for healthcare), it is becoming critical for healthcare professionals to bridge the gap. Latinos currently represent 17% of the overall population of the United States, and in California, Latinos represent the largest ethnic group in the state and outnumber non-Latino whites.
In a study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, it was found that Latinos in California were less likely to have ever used the Internet at all (which includes social media and email sites). Latinos were also found to be less likely to utilize the Internet to search for health information and were less confident in filling out online forms compared to whites.
In order to reduce health disparities, it is critical to address inequities in programs, practices, and policies.
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Elderly, less educated Latinos from low-income households were less likely to use the Internet to find information regarding health or healthcare even when it was accessible to them. This group was also generally found to have the worst overall health.
It was determined by the report that health care educators need to be more involved in closing the digital divide. This can be done through targeted outreach of both U.S. born Latinos and immigrants with education on how to best use the Internet. It is also important to include information on how Latinos can use the Internet to search for health information and how to fill out forms online.
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By The Numbers
25.1
percent
of Latinos remain without health insurance coverage
