Affiliation:
1. Departments of Sociomedical Sciences and Epidemiology Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health New York New York USA
2. Department of Public Health Santa Clara University Santa Clara California USA
3. School of Public Health Texas A&M University College Station Texas USA
4. Department of Communication and Journalism Texas A&M University College Station Texas USA
Abstract
AbstractObjectivesWe developed and evaluated new media‐related health information acquisition measures for U.S.‐based Latino populations.MethodsIn 2021, a sample of U.S.‐based Latino adults (N = 1574) self‐completed a 20‐min survey of health information acquisition measures across three language/cultural dimensions: Spanish media, Latino‐tailored media in English, and general media in English. Socio‐demographics were also ascertained. Means and standard deviations for the health acquisition measures were adjusted for age and sex and reported across nativity status.ResultsThe sample was diverse across age, gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, migration, and language competency. Internal consistency reliability of developed scales was excellent overall and within age, gender, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic subgroups (Cronbach's alphas = 0.86–0.94). English media scales had higher means overall indicating higher prolonged quantity (i.e., dosage) than Spanish media scales. In contrast, standard deviations for Spanish media scales were higher overall indicating broader reach at lower doses than English media scales.ConclusionsFindings suggest English‐language media is popular among Latino populations overall. However, Spanish‐language media retains broad reach through both passive and active exposure. Our findings demonstrate the value of including more nuanced measurement of health information acquisition such as the scales developed in this study to improve health promotion among Latino populations.
Subject
Psychiatry and Mental health