Trends in Digital Device Access Among Hispanic Older Adults in the US (2011–2021)
Author Information
Author(s): Chen Xiayu, Dong Yanjun, Véaz Karla Sanabria, Gu Danan, Wang Kun
Primary Institution: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Hypothesis
The study aims to examine the trends of digital device access between Hispanic and non-Hispanic White older adults in the U.S. from 2011 to 2021 and the effect of gender, education, and income factors on the digital access disparity.
Conclusion
The digital access gap between Hispanic and non-Hispanic White older adults has narrowed over time, but disparities still exist.
Supporting Evidence
- Hispanic older adults had significantly lower odds of having digital device access compared to non-Hispanic White older adults.
- The gap in digital device access has narrowed over time.
- Digital access disparities were reduced among men and women with low education and low income.
Takeaway
Older Hispanic adults are using digital devices more than before, but they still have less access compared to their non-Hispanic White peers.
Methodology
The study used 11 waves of National Health and Aging Trend data and applied weighted multilevel logistic regressions.
Limitations
The study may not account for all socioeconomic factors affecting digital access.
Participant Demographics
Community-dwelling older adults aged 70 and above.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.42
Confidence Interval
95% CI = 0.25 - 0.70
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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