Access and utilization of information technology among minority patients attending safety net facilities in Los Angeles (LA)

Background: Experts in health care believe that lack of access to information technology (IT) is a contributing factor to the lack of delivery of health related IT to underserved communities. No information is available about access and utilization of IT among minority patients receiving health care at a safety-net health care facility.

Objective: To explore access and utilization of IT among patients at safety-net clinics in LA.

Methods: Cross-sectional survey of patients at two safety-net clinics in LA. We interviewed using a questionnaire a systematic sample of 200 patients at the clinics and analyzed the data.

Results: The study included 200 patients, 15-75 years (mean=47, SD=12), 75% were female, 72% were Hispanics, 46% were married, 79% had income <$25,000, 86% had <high-school education, 52% were uninsured, 56% perceived their health status is fair/poor, and 16% were disabled. Most of the respondents had access to TV (99%), radio (94%), home phone (90%), cell phone (62%), and CD (82%). Access to the computer and internet were 39% and 26% respectively. The major reason for not having computer/internet at home was cost (50%). Of the internet users, 63% looked for health information on the internet. The common information searched was related to medical problem (78%), diet/nutrition (83%), and exercise/fitness (69%). Access and use of computer and internet were associated with gender, race/ethnicity, income and education (p<0.05). Most of the respondents reported that information received on the internet was helpful (97%); improved the health services they received (90%), and helped in health decisions-making (87%). Conclusions: Access and utilization of computer/internet was low among this population. Cost was the major barrier. Most of the internet users valued the importance, utility and usefulness of the internet in improving health service utilization and health related decision-making. Health promotion intervention using computer and internet might benefit these populations.