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.