Dataset Information

Measuring media-related health and mental health information acquisition among Latino adults in the United States.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

We developed and evaluated new media-related health information acquisition measures for U.S.-based Latino populations.

Methods

In 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.

Results

The 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.

Conclusions

Findings 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.

SUBMITTER: DuPont-Reyes MJ

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10698806 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Measuring media-related health and mental health information acquisition among Latino adults in the United States.

DuPont-Reyes Melissa J MJ Villatoro Alice A Gama Giovanni G Tang Lu L

International journal of methods in psychiatric research 20230328 4

<h4>Objectives</h4>We developed and evaluated new media-related health information acquisition measures for U.S.-based Latino populations.<h4>Methods</h4>In 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 acquis ...[more]

PMID: 36978265

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Project description:IntroductionAddressing gaps in the integration of justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion (J-DEI) in public health research and practice, this study investigates the mental health of Multiracial and multiethnic adults in the United States (U.S.). A rapidly growing racial/ethnic group in the U.S., Multiracial and multiethnic populations are often excluded or underrepresented in standard public health research and practice, and little is known about their mental health or associated risk and protective factors.MethodsTo investigate this knowledge gap, an electronic cross-sectional survey was conducted in two waves in 2022, pulling from various community sources, with 1,359 respondents in total. Complementing this, seventeen semi-structured interviews were performed with a subset of survey participants. Data were analyzed using a mix of statistical methods and staged hybrid inductive-deductive thematic analysis.ResultsFindings indicate over half of the participants endorsed at least one mental health concern with prevalence of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors surpassing available national estimates. Exposure to trauma, discrimination, and microaggressions were found to play a significant role in these outcomes. Conversely, strong social support and strong ethnic identity emerged as protective factors. Qualitative insights brought forward the challenges faced by individuals in navigating bias and stigma, especially in the context of mental health care. Despite these barriers, emerging themes highlighted resilience, the importance of secure identity formation, and the critical role of community and cultural support.ConclusionsThe marked prevalence of mental health concerns among Multiracial and multiethnic populations emphasizes the pressing need for tailored interventions and inclusive research methodologies. Recognizing and addressing the unique challenges faced by these communities is imperative in driving mental health equity in the U.S. The findings advocate for community-engaged practices, interdisciplinary collaborations, and the importance of addressing mental health challenges with cultural sensitivity, particularly in historically oppressed and marginalized groups. Future efforts must focus on refining these practices, ensuring that public health initiatives are genuinely inclusive and equitable.

Dataset Information

Measuring media-related health and mental health information acquisition among Latino adults in the United States.

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Measuring media-related health and mental health information acquisition among Latino adults in the United States.

Similar Datasets

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