Reducing the Health and Digital Divides: A Model for Using Community-Based Participatory Research Approach to E-Health Interventions in Low-Income Hispanic Communities

Abstract

Low-income Hispanics are the most digitally underserved population in the U.S. This article examines the potential of community-based participatory research approach to e-health to decrease the disparities in access to technology and health information in low-income Hispanic communities. To demonstrate this framework, we describe the process of designing a community-based e-health intervention to increase knowledge and parental self-efficacy in coping with young children's mental health problems including mental health service utilization. Our model incorporates utilizing promotoras de salud (lay community health educators) and community media principles to create the content of e-health interventions and train community members in using the technology. This case study illustrates the processes involved in using this approach, barriers for participatory e-health interventions in bridging the Digital Divide, and lessons learned.