title: Health information technology use and health literacy among community-dwelling African Americans.
abstract: The purpose of this descriptive, cross-sectional study of African Americans was to determine the purpose and levels of health information technology (IT) use, health literacy [HL] levels, and to explore the relationship between health IT usage and HL levels. Study participants (N = 88) resided in zip codes with low wellness scores. Participants had adequate HL levels, 83% owned a computer, 65% used the Internet to access health information, those with higher education levels were more likely to use a computer to access health information, those with lower HL levels did not use a computer to access health information or to store personal health information. Participants [77%] indicated they would be willing to use a computer-based program to store their personal health information; however, concerns related to privacy were cited. Findings obtained are useful for planning and implementing health IT programs among this population to enhance health outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Master's Nurse Education Program, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, College of Nursing in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.
authors.forename: Voncella
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: McCleary-Jones
authors.forename: Cynthia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Scheideman-Miller
authors.forename: James A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Rev Dorn
authors.forename: Birdie
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Overall
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Dwyer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D057220:Health Literacy; D055991:Health Records, Personal; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008490:Medical Informatics; D008875:Middle Aged; D015146:Midwestern United States; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D012648:Self Care