Internet Use for Health Information among American Indians: Facilitators and Inhibitors

Authors

Melissa K. Filippi, University of Kansas Medical CenterFollow
Christina M. Pacheco, University of Kansas Medical CenterFollow
Charlotte McCloskey, University of Kansas Medical CenterFollow
Rebecca Jeanne Crosthwait, University of KansasFollow
Justin Begaye, University of Kansas Medical CenterFollow
JB Kinlacheeny, Center for American Indian Community HealthFollow
Won S. Choi, University of Kansas Medical CenterFollow
K Allen Greiner, University of Kansas Medical CenterFollow
Christine M. Daley, University of Kansas Medical CenterFollow

Keywords

American Indian; Community-based Participatory Research; Health Information; Healthcare Disparities; Internet; Qualitative Research

Disciplines

Community Health and Preventive Medicine | Public Health | Public Health Education and Promotion

Abstract

Our research team explored Internet use among a heterogeneous American Indian (AI) population to determine Internet use in relation to health information seeking behaviors. Participants examined an AI culturally-tailored tobacco website as an example to explain what they wanted in an AI Internet health site. Using community-based participatory research, we conducted 10 focus groups with non-college AI men and women (N=96), stratified by age (18-29, 30-49, and 50 and over) to better understand their perceptions of Internet use and health information needs. We found that Internet use varied greatly among all strata. Participants referenced WebMD^© more than any other website, but participants were not pleased with the design and navigation. When examining the sample website, participants across strata stressed that recreational and traditional tobacco use should be discussed. Participants in all strata desired a simple website design with easy to read text accompanied by images. In order to gain and maintain cultural respect, participants stated that web designers should be aware that some images hold cultural meaning, particularly tobacco. Baseline data are needed for AI’s use of the Internet to obtain health information; this research is helpful to address health inequalities among AI, particularly access to web-based health information.

Recommended Citation

Filippi, Melissa K.; Pacheco, Christina M.; McCloskey, Charlotte; Crosthwait, Rebecca Jeanne; Begaye, Justin; Kinlacheeny, JB; Choi, Won S.; Greiner, K Allen; and Daley, Christine M. (2014) "Internet Use for Health Information among American Indians: Facilitators and Inhibitors," Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice: Vol. 7: Iss. 3, Article 4.
Available at: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/jhdrp/vol7/iss3/4