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Hispanic Older Adult’s Perceptions of Personal, Contextual and Technology-Related Barriers for Using Assistive Technology Devices

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Abstract

Assistive technologies (AT) are tools that enhance the independence, safety, and quality of life of older people with functional limitations. While AT may extend independence in ageing, there are racial and ethnic disparities in late-life AT use, with lower rates reported among Hispanic older populations. The aim of this study was to identify barriers experienced by Hispanic community-living older adults for using AT. Sixty Hispanic older adults (70 years and older) with functional limitations participated in this study. A descriptive qualitative research design was used guided by the principles of the Human Activity Assistive Technology Model to gain in-depth understanding of participants’ perspectives regarding barriers to using AT devices. Individual in-depth semi-structure interviews were conducted, using the Assistive Technology Devices Cards (ATDC) assessment as a prompt to facilitate participants’ qualitative responses. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and rigorous thematic content analysis. Lack of AT awareness and information, cost of AT, limited coverage of AT by heath care plans, and perceived complexity of AT were the predominant barriers experienced by the participants. A multi-level approach is required for a better understanding of the barriers for using AT devices. The personal, contextual, and activity-based barriers found in this study can be used to develop culturally sensitive AT interventions to reduce existent disparities in independent living disabilities among older Hispanics.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Occupational Therapy Program, School of Health Professions, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, PO Box 365067, San Juan, 00936-5067, Puerto Rico

    Elsa M. Orellano-Colón

  2. Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Florida, 2107A Health Professions Building, Box 100164; UF, Gainesville, FL, 32610-0164, USA

    William C. Mann

  3. School of Nursing, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico

    Marta Rivero

  4. Puerto Rico Assistive Technology Program, University of Puerto Rico, Jardín Botánico Sur – UPR, 1187 Calle Flamboyán, San Juan, 00926-1117, Puerto Rico

    Mayra Torres

  5. Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 25 University St, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada

    Jeff Jutai

  6. Occupational Therapy Program, School of Health Professions, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico

    Angélica Santiago

  7. Graduate School of Social Work, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico

    Nelson Varas

Authors
  1. Elsa M. Orellano-Colón
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  2. William C. Mann
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  3. Marta Rivero
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  4. Mayra Torres
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  5. Jeff Jutai
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  6. Angélica Santiago
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  7. Nelson Varas
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Elsa M. Orellano-Colón.

Appendix

Appendix

INTERVIEW GUIDE QUESTIONS

  1. 1)

    What do you think are the barriers or obstaces to using assistive technology devices?

  2. 2)

    What are the disadvantages of using assistive technology devices?

  3. 3)

    What might stop you from using asssitive technology devices?

  4. 4)

    Is there anything else that I should know about what problems face older people for using asssitive technology devices?

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Orellano-Colón, E.M., Mann, W.C., Rivero, M. et al. Hispanic Older Adult’s Perceptions of Personal, Contextual and Technology-Related Barriers for Using Assistive Technology Devices. J. Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities 3, 676–686 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-015-0186-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-015-0186-8

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