Describing the evolution of mobile technology usage for Latino patients and comparing findings to national mHealth estimates.
OBJECTIVES
Describe the change in mobile technology used by an urban Latino population between 2011 and 2014, and compare findings with national estimates.


MATERIALS AND METHODS
Patients were surveyed on medical history and mobile technology use. We analyzed specific areas of mobile health capacity stratified by chronic disease, age, language preference, and educational attainment.


RESULTS
Of 2144 Latino patients, the percentage that owned a cell phone and texted were in-line with Pew estimates, but app usage was not. Patients with chronic disease had reduced access to mobile devices (P < .001) and lower use of mobile phone functionalities.


DISCUSSION
Prior research suggests that Latinos can access mHealth; however, we observed lower rates among Latino patients actively seeking heath care.


CONCLUSION
Published national estimates do not accurately reflect the mobile technology use of Latino patients served by our public safety-net facility. The difference is greater for older, less educated patients with chronic disease.
['Arora|Sanjay|S|', 'Ford|Kelsey|K|', 'Terp|Sophie|S|', 'Abramson|Tiffany|T|', 'Ruiz|Ryan|R|', 'Camilon|Marissa|M|', 'Coyne|Christopher J|CJ|', 'Lam|Chun Nok|CN|', 'Menchine|Michael|M|', 'Burner|Elizabeth|E|']
D000293:Adolescent D000328:Adult D000368:Aged D002140:California D040421:Cell Phone D002908:Chronic Disease D005260:Female D006630:Hispanic or Latino D006801:Humans D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D017216:Telemedicine D060145:Text Messaging D055815:Young Adult
Latinos Mobile health public health text messaging