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.
Keywords: Latinos; Mobile health; public health; text messaging.
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