Assessing Digital Literacy and Willingness to Communicate with Providers Using Digital Technology among Underserved Asian American Patients at a Federally Qualified Health Center: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Objective To understand the digital literacy and attitudes towards telehealth of Asian limited-English proficient (LEP) patients at Asian Health Services in Alameda County, California. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 814 patients at a Federally Qualified Health Center in Burmese, Cantonese, English, Khmer, Korean, Mandarin, Tagalog, and Vietnamese between January and July 2022. Using logistic regression models, we identified predictors of digital literacy and willingness to adapt to telehealth visits. Results Among participants, 63% could go online, 26% could log in to a website, 68% had smart devices, 60% used text, and 58% used video. Overall acceptance of video communication with a provider was 89%. Reluctance to use telehealth was related to technical issues in 53% of participants. Based on the regression models, we observed key differences in language groups with respect to application (app) use and attitudes toward telehealth. Conclusions There is a digital divide in LEP elderly patients, with technology usage varying by language group. Closing the digital divide involves a multifaceted approach, including device and internet access assistance, culturally and linguistically competent education, and a patient-centric approach to engagement.