To evaluate telehealth use disparities among Hispanic and non-Hispanic populations and identify barriers to equitable access.
Approach:
Study Analysis: Qian et al. analyzed National Health Survey data from 2020 to 2023 to assess telehealth utilization by race and ethnicity.
Barriers Identification: The study identified language proficiency, digital literacy, internet connectivity, and cultural perceptions as barriers to telehealth access.
Key Findings:
Hispanic respondents had decreased odds of telehealth use compared to non-Hispanic respondents (aOR 0.86 [0.81, 0.91]).
Non-English speakers had 23% lower odds of using telehealth, contributing to lower utilization among Hispanic patients.
Cultural beliefs and the importance of physical examinations affect Hispanic patients' trust and perceptions of telehealth.
Interpretation:
Limitations:
The study may not account for all factors influencing telehealth utilization.
Cultural beliefs and preferences may vary widely among different Hispanic communities.
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